Lynden Lakovic, born on December 12, 2006, is a Canadian junior ice hockey player whose career trajectory has quickly garnered attention. From his time with the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Western Hockey League (WHL) to his draft into the NHL, Lakovic has demonstrated a blend of size, skill, and hockey IQ that makes him a promising prospect.
Lynden Lakovic, rising star in the making.
Early Career and WHL Achievements
Lakovic made a name for himself playing for the Moose Jaw Warriors. During the 2023-24 season, Lakovic recorded 18 goals and 21 assists in 68 games. He also helped the Moose Jaw Warriors win the Ed Chynoweth Cup. In his draft-eligible year (2024-25), he tallied 27 goals and 31 assists in 47 games.
Notably, Lakovic missed seven weeks due to a lower-body injury. Despite this setback, his performance underscored his potential and marked him as a player to watch.
Lynden Lakovic - Highlights Compilation | 2025 NHL Entry Draft
NHL Draft and Capitals Acquisition
Selected 27th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2025 NHL Draft, Lynden Lakovic is now a member of the team. When Lynden Lakovic heard his name called on Day 1 of the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles, he felt a wave of relief. Then, excitement, as he realized he was headed to the Washington Capitals.
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Lakovic had spoken with the Capitals twice, once during his WHL campaign with the Moose Jaw Warriors and again at the Combine, and though he didn’t know if they’d end up drafting him, they’d had good talks. Ultimately, though, it was where he wanted to go.
“I'm so excited to be a part of such a great organization. I had a great meeting with Washington during the combine,” Lakovic said. “Words can't really express how happy I am right now."
Lakovic at the 2025 NHL Draft.
Player Profile and Strengths
Lynden Lakovic is a high-ceiling potential power forward with a combination of size, skill, and mobility. Standing 6’4″, he is already physically imposing, but his game is built on more than just size. For a player of his size, Lakovic’s skating is fluid. Lakovic possesses above-average puck skills, smooth skating, and a developing offensive toolbox that make him a consistent offensive threat.
In 47 games with the Warriors this past season, Lakovic racked up 27 goals and 31 assists for 58 points, while only managing four penalty minutes.
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Key attributes:
- Size and Frame: At 6’4″ and 190 lbs, Lakovic has the physical attributes NHL teams covet.
- Shooting Ability: The 6-foot-4, 200-pound winger brings quite a bit to the table, but what stands out most about him is his wicked shot. It’s been years in the making, a product of shooting hundreds of pucks day in and day out.
- Playmaking: He’s a talented playmaker who passes with purpose and moves the puck well, and he doesn’t shy away from creativity.
- Hockey IQ: "I think I'm really good at anticipating plays, and I try and play with a lot of hockey IQ and time my routes well all over the ice.”
“It's just consistency with your practice habits,” Lakovic said. “I think you know, my release is a little snappy and since I have a long reach, I can hide it pretty well and I think that's how I beat a lot of goalies. If you're consistently working on it… it's going to improve.”
“When you first look at my game, what jumps out is my size and my skating and my shot. But I think some things that go a little underappreciated would be my stick details,” Lakovic said.
Areas for Improvement
While his game has clear strengths, there are areas where he remains raw. Despite his size, Lakovic averages just 0.66 hard hits per game and wins only 42% of his 50/50 puck battles. While he generates a high volume of shot attempts (7 per game), 1.38 are blocked, and 1.28 miss the net. Lakovic is effective along the boards and in transition but tends to play more of a perimeter game at times.
- Physical Engagement: Needs to improve physical play and winning puck battles.
- Puck Management: Refine puck management skills.
- Consistency in Attack Zones: Should focus on playing more in the middle of the ice.
- Shot Efficiency and Selection: Improving shot accuracy and decision-making.
Player Comparisons and Role Models
When it comes to player comparables, he tries to model his game after Tage Thompson and Matthew Knies.
“Tage, because we have similar frames and both our attributes are our shots and I think we have really similar skill sets,” he added. “I look at Matthew Knies, I look at his frame as well, and his skating ability and how he takes pucks to the net. I just see myself being something like that at the next level."
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Contract and Future Prospects
Lynden Lakovic signed a three-year, $2.925 million entry-level contract on July 5, 2025, that carries an average annual value of $975,000.
| Contract Details | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 3 years |
| Total Value | $3,300,000 |
| Average Annual Value (AAV) | $975,000 |
Lakovic projects as a middle-six forward at the NHL level, with potential to play in a top-six role if he continues to develop his physicality. With continued development in his physicality, deception, and defensive details, he has the potential to make a significant impact at the professional level. His ability to combine size, skill, and offensive instincts makes him a tantalizing prospect.
Leadership and Character
He took over as captain of the Warriors halfway through the year, and in addition to impressive interviews, he received promising testimonials from others. “He had to show some leadership… Pretty even-keeled, happy-go-lucky. I could see how they could make him the captain of the team,” assistant general manager Ross Mahoney noted.
Goals with the Capitals
As Lakovic begins the next chapter of his career in the District, his goal is simple: to help the team remain a contender while soaking in every moment.
“They have a history of winning. I'm kinda excited to get down there and learn from the best, you know, the best goal scorer ever and just take in everything I can,” Lakovic said. “I've never been down to DC before, so I'm looking forward to that. At the end of the day, I want to improve and help the team win a Stanley Cup in the future.