Kalan Lind Scouting Report: 2023 NHL Draft #43

The sixth overall pick in the 2020 WHL Draft, Red Deer Rebels forward Kalan Lind would probably like a “do over” on his draft year. Things started well enough, with Lind playing for Team Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky Tournament. However, a midseason injury cost him two months during the regular season. He was again injured in the playoffs, being on the end of a headshot and missing time as the Rebels were eliminated. It wasn’t the draft season that Lind envisioned.

Lind was very good when on the ice though, producing numbers in the WHL. He scored 16 goals and 28 assists for 44 points in 43 games. Lind also added two goals and three assists for five points in 10 playoff games. This came on the heels of a successful season as a 16-year-old in 2021-22. He scored 20 goals and 38 points in 61 regular-season games. Lind also added one goal and six points in 10 playoff games.

Lind’s older brother Kole Lind was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2nd round, 33rd overall, at the 2017 NHL Draft. He is in the Seattle Kraken system. His sister, Taylor Lind, is playing NCAA Hockey for St. Cloud State.

Kalan Lind Scouting Report

Left Wing/Centre — shoots Left
Born January 25th, 2005 — Shaunavon, Saskatchewan
Height 6’0″ — Weight 158 lbs [183 cm / 72 kg]

Skating

Lind is a very good skater. He is very quick, with a good first step and very good acceleration. Lind reaches top speed quickly and maintains it with a textbook stride. This helps him to get in quickly on the forecheck, as well as to be effective in transition. Lind also has very good agility and edgework. He maneuvers in and out of traffic and can get away from defenders both with and without the puck. Lind plays a power game and controls the puck down low, working in the cycle game. However, he is very skinny for his height. He needs to add muscle to his frame. This will make him harder to knock off the puck as well as give him better balance to establish his position in front of the net and win battles on the boards.

Offensive Game

Lind plays a gritty game. As mentioned he is quick to get in on the forecheck, pressuring defenders to make plays quicker than they want to and generating turnovers. He is also willing to play in the dirty areas of the ice, battling for loose pucks on the boards and taking the puck to the front of the net when he gets the opportunity. He will need to bulk up to play this game at the pro level. Lind is always in the middle of the action, at the centre of scrums, and involved physically. He also goes to the net without the puck. Lind loves to create havoc, screening goalies, and causing issues with his ability to pounce on rebounds and deflect shots. Lind has the soft hands to score in tight to the net.

Lind is a decent playmaker but won’t wow you either. He keeps the puck moving and makes smart passes in tight spaces. He isn’t the most creative player, but he is effective. Lind keeps the puck moving in the cycle game and loves to work the give-and-go. He is constantly looking for opportunities to get the puck to the front of the net. When he doesn’t have the puck, he keeps his feet moving and is always involved in the play.

Defensive Game

Lind played a defensive role for Team Canada at the Hlinka last summer. He was effective as a third-line centre, good on the penalty kill and effective against the other team’s best lines. With Red Deer, he has mainly played on the wing and his role has been more offensive. However, he has shown that his defensive game is strong. Lind is willing to get back on the backcheck, support defenders down low, and once he gets a loose puck, helps to quickly transition to offence. Lind is a smart player. He reads the play well and uses his stick to cut off passing lanes. He is also not afraid to block shots. Lind’s smarts and hockey IQ help him to read the play.

Projection and Comparison

While Lind has some experience at centre, his future is likely on the wing. With time and proper development, he could become a solid middle-six winger at the NHL level. While he is unlikely to ever be the play-driver on a top line, his game will complement skilled players. His gritty game and willingness to play in the dirty areas of the ice are something that every NHL team is looking for. However, Lind is a bit of a long-term project. At around 160 pounds, he lacks muscle on his frame and will need to bulk up to play this style at the pro level. Lind will likely play another couple of years in junior and then need some AHL time. Lind’s game is reminiscent of Michael Bunting. This is a stylistic comparison only though and not one based on skill and ability.

Highlights

The following is a compilation of some of the highlight packages and features of Kalan Lind that are available on YouTube and Twitter.

Check back later for our latest draft article.