Lakovic was on his way to one of the more compelling D+1 campaigns in the WHL, posting 29 points in 22 games as captain of Moose Jaw before shoulder surgery ended his year. The injury cost him valuable development time at a critical juncture, and a return to Moose Jaw for 2026-27 is the expected path. When healthy, the tools that made him the 27th overall pick in 2025 are fully intact – a rare combination of 6-4 size and genuine skating ability at that frame, with rush offense and playmaking instincts that draw comparisons to Jordan Kyrou at the top end. Washington’s veteran core means there is no organizational pressure to rush him, which is fortunate given the timeline interruption. If the shoulder heals cleanly and the offensive production resumes where it left off, the upside case remains compelling.

Signed to a three-year, $2.925 million entry-level contract on July 5, 2025, that carries an average annual value of $975,000. Lakovic is a strong player, and big at 6-4 (which was the theme of the 2025 draft for all teams), but he also skates well and has a good hockey IQ. There is still room to improve/show more in the offense-side of the game, and many seem to think that will come. Lakovic likely tops out as a second line winger, but he also has a high floor too.

Selected 27th overall, Lynden Lakovic is now a member of the Washington Capitals.

Lakovic is an intriguing player due to his combination of skating, size, playmaking, and raw skill. Lakovic cannot really be considered a power forward at this time. His game doesn’t centre around driving inside or using his body and physicality to gain the net front. Instead, Lakovic creates most of his value through playmaking, puck carrying, and rush offense. At the CHL/USA Prospect Challenge, Lakovic showed more of the things that NHL teams look for, displaying energy on the forecheck, dropping the shoulder on the rush, and finding quality looks for his teammates. The question with Lakovic is whether he’ll be able to develop a more physical, consistent game, and—with the trade deadline departure of Brayden Yager —whether he’ll have the support to do so.

Final Rankings – Questions about his intensity/physicality have chased him all season long, but Lakovic’s skillset is tremendous. At his size, there are maybe two other players in this draft who can skate and handle the puck at his level. His playmaking vision and ability—especially off the rush, at speed—elevated his teammates all season. Though he needs to tune his accuracy, Lakovic’s shooting mechanics are excellent as well. Lakovic also had to drive the bus on a depleted Moose Jaw squad, leading them with over a point-per-game and factoring in on over half the team’s goals. Though I think the checking concerns are over-blown, even as-is Lakovic could be a force in the NHL.—