Lynden Lakovic, the Washington Capitals’ highly coveted first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, was an early standout at training camp.
“He’s looked fantastic,” said an impressed Spencer Carbery at the time. “He’s got confidence and also a little bit of swagger.”
Lakovic has continued his strong play since being returned to the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors on September 28, posting 10 goals in his first 10 games. The 18-year-old forward ranks second in the league in the category. The only player who has more, Kamloops’ JP Hurlbert, has 11 goals and has played in one more game.
Screenshot: CHL.ca
Lakovic has yet to record a hat trick this season, but has four 2-goal games, including one in his latest appearance against the Red Deer Rebels on Tuesday. His 2 goals helped push the Warriors to a 5-4 shootout victory.
To net his first, Lakovic, the team’s captain, beat two Rebels defenders down the ice for a breakaway chance and made an effortless move to his backhand to tie the game 1-1 in the second period.
Lakovic’s second came with the Warriors on a power play, jamming home his own rebound at the side of the net.
The British Columbia native was named first star of the game and also the WHL’s top performer of the night.
Lakovic also scored twice during his season debut on September 27, converting on both a penalty shot, his first goal season, and a power play against the Swift Current Broncos.
He scored on another breakaway against the Vancouver Giants on October 4.
He split two Red Deer defensemen to convert again on a breakaway on October 10.
Driving the net hard, Lakovic found a loose puck behind a Saskatoon Blades goaltender to light the lamp on October 17.
He scored later in the first period that night, stealing the puck in the neutral zone and undressing the opposing goaltender.
Lakovic is the only player on the Warriors with more than 5 goals, which might explain why he has only recorded 2 assists. Moose Jaw currently sits sixth in the WHL’s Eastern Conference with a 6-5-1 record.
The Warriors and Lakovic will be back in action on Friday night, hosting the Lethbridge Hurricanes.