With less than a week until the 2023 NHL Draft in Nashville, Red Deer Rebels forward Kalan Lind is poised to be selected.
Lind is looking forward to the big day but along with that comes a few nervous jitters.
“It’s getting pretty exciting, a little bit nerve-wracking thinking about it but definitely exciting,” he said.
Just two weeks ago Lind took part in the NHL combine in Buffalo, NY.
The week-long event gives NHL executives and scouts a chance to get to know the prospects better while also testing their physical capabilities.
“It was a great experience,” Lind said.
“I got to be with all the guys in our league that we play against all year… We all get to get together and joke around and get to have fun there.
“Getting to meet with all the teams was super cool and then obviously you get to go through all the fitness stuff. You get to see where you’re at compared to everyone else, which is also nice.”
Fresh from the NHL Scouting Combine and a week ahead of the NHL Draft, a conversation with Rebels top draft prospect Kalan Lind
— Red Deer Rebels (@Rebelshockey) June 21, 2023
Full interview at our Audio Vault --> https://t.co/yuCstddjWz#RDREBELS I #WHL I #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/X00u0zQsUm
During the fitness testing, Lind ranked among the top in just one category, body composition by percentage of body fat.
The Shaunavon, Sask. product placed second among all prospects with just 6.73 per cent body fat. Surely an indication that his hard work to stay in shape has paid off.
“I like to think of myself as pretty fit but I’m on the leaner side in the summer. I’m hoping to get a little bit stronger and get on the bigger side for next year,” he added.
The NHL Combine interview process is notorious for its unusual questions to get to know the players.
Lind explained he didn’t get asked anything too atypical but was asked if his teammates went out the night before a game would he tell the general manager if asked.
“If Brent came up to me he’s pretty scary. I think I’d probably crack under the pressure,” Lind laughed.
After a great individual season for Lind, he’s solidified himself as one of the top prospects in this year’s draft.
He certainly believes in himself and is hoping to be selected sooner rather than later but understands how deep the talent pool is.
Kalan’s brother Kole Lind was selected by the Vancouver Canucks 33rd overall in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft. Lind was with his brother every step of the way and explained he learned a lot from the experience.
“It was such a cool experience for him… He was one of the top prospects in that draft class and I think it was a great experience watching him go through it all,” he said.
“My brother and I are best friends. I’ve watched him go through it all and he’s watched me go through it all.”
In the months leading up to the draft Lind has been back on the farm in Saskatchewan helping his family but has also spent some time in Saskatoon training.
Lind won’t be the only member of the Red Deer Rebels who could potentially hear their name called next week.
Kai Uchacz, Matteo Fabrizi, and Hunter Mayo were named among 224 of the best North American skaters.
Uchacz’s fantastic season on offence propelled him up the list at 115th overall meanwhile Fabrizi earned himself a rank at 141st.
Fellow defenceman Hunter Mayo, who wasn’t even ranked in January, was on the final list at 203rd overall.
“We’ve got some really good players that kind of have that high-end hockey IQ and skill. Everyone in Red Deer we all have that work and compete. That’s what we’re taught there and preached.”
