BUFFALO | For organizational reasons, everyone assumes that the Canadian will challenge a striker in fifth place in the overall rankings on June 28 in Las Vegas.

That’s not proof of everything, and recent history shows that selecting a player earlier than expected based on the team’s needs can go wrong (read Jesperi Kotkaniemi here).

We still have four forwards in our sights who could be of interest to the Canadian – Cayden Lindstrom, Tij Iginla, Berkly Catton and Cole Eiserman – and asked them a simple question last week in Buffalo: “I’m the general manager of a Montreal Canadiens team and that’s who I am.” I’m hesitating between you and another player. Why should I choose you?

Here is her answer.

Cayden Lindstrom

The big forward focused on his unique character as a hockey player, but also the reasons that motivate him to succeed, having grown up with a single parent who made several sacrifices to allow him to get to where he is.

“I think I play differently than other players. I play with a lot of passion and emotion and I think that’s what sets me apart. There are a lot of things that motivate me to succeed and I feel like it gives me something new on the ice. I play with more heart than other players. I play fast and skillfully and I want to improve every day and compete against the best in the world.”

Berkley Catton

Photo credit: Photo provided by WHL

Standing at just under 5’9″ and weighing 165lbs, Catton isn’t the biggest striker, but he believes there’s an aspect of his game that will still allow him to succeed.

“I think my intelligence is what sets me apart. I look at guys like Jack Hughes or Patrick Kane and they stand out because of their intelligence on the ice. You obviously need good skills to make plays but when you put smart players together it’s a very dangerous combination. That’s how you win championships. I also consider myself a leader because I come to the rink and want to be the hardest working player every day. I also have good adaptability. I believe that in the NHL I can come into a room, learn from the best players and develop.

Cole Eiserman

Photo credit: Photo provided by RENA LAVERTY/USNTDP

Unlike the first two players, Cole Eiserman preferred not to drag his feet and got straight to the point!

“I score a lot of goals and you have to score goals to win.”

Tij Iginla

Photo credit: Photo agency QMI, MICHELINE VELUVOLU

In Iginla’s case, he believes he is far from a finished product and that teams should bank on his potential. Note here that for the sake of transparency, the question focused more on why he should be claimed ahead of Cayden Lindstrom and Berkly Catton, two WHL rivals.

“I have good skills coupled with a good work ethic. I work hard every day and believe I can still improve in some aspects of my game. In a few years I will be a completely different player than I am today.

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