Lynden Lakovic (LW, L, 6’4″, 192, Moose Jaw Warriors, 12/12/2006)
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. Lakovic possesses above-average puck skills, smooth skating, and a developing offensive toolbox that make him a consistent offensive threat. While his game has clear strengths, there are areas where he remains raw, including physical engagement, puck management, and improving his play in the middle of the ice. With further development and continued physical maturation, Lakovic projects as a versatile, middle-six NHL winger capable of producing offense and contributing as a net-front presence.
Strengths
Size and Frame:
At 6’4″ and 190 lbs, Lakovic has the physical attributes NHL teams covet. While he still needs to add muscle, his frame allows him to protect the puck NHL sized defenders and compete in high-traffic areas.
He uses his reach well, pulling defenders out of position and creating space for himself and his linemates.
Skating Ability:
For a player of his size, Lakovic’s skating is fluid. He exhibits long, powerful strides and above average acceleration out of hard stops.
He has the speed to drive wide and then cut hard for the far post.
He has shown flashes of an extra gear, especially when attacking off the rush, catching defenders flat-footed.
Offensive Instincts:
Lakovic demonstrates high-end puck-handling skills for a power forward, maintaining control through traffic and executing quick moves in tight spaces.
His scoring touch is evident in his ability to finish around the net, often utilizing a quick release or deceptively changing the angle as he shoots.
He generates 3.6 grade “A” scoring chances per game.
Playmaking Vision:
Completes 87% of his passes, with 1.5 of those passes directly leading to grade “A” scoring opportunities per game.
Lakovic’s ability to integrate his linemates into the odd-man situations adds to his versatility.
His give-and-go game is a strength, allowing him to create space for himself and others while advancing the puck.
His ability to generate odd-man situations and play 2-on-1 hockey increases his odds that highly skilled NHL players will want him on their unit.
Compete Level:
Lakovic works hard along the boards and in the corners.
He’s shown a willingness to take hits to make plays, with a 0.81 hard hits received per game.
Areas for Improvement
Physicality and Puck Battles:
Despite his size, Lakovic averages just 0.66 hard hits per game and wins only 42% of his 50/50 puck battles. For a player with his power-forward potential, becoming more aggressive and assertive in physical confrontations will be critical.
Strengthening his lower body will help him win more board battles and maintain position in front of the net.
Shot Efficiency and Selection:
While he generates a high volume of shot attempts (7 per game), 1.38 are blocked, and 1.28 miss the net. This has to change for an opportunity to play top-six minutes in the National League.
Defensive Engagement:
Currently averaging only 11 seconds of penalty-kill time per game, Lakovic’s defensive game and defensive details remain a work in progress.
He must focus on improving his defensive zone scans.
Consistency in Attack Zones:
Lakovic is effective along the boards and in transition but tends to play more of a perimeter game at times. Coaches will want to see him use his size to attack the middle and utilize the “royal road” for better scoring opportunities.
Puck Management:
Averaging 8 giveaways per game, Lakovic can force plays unnecessarily in transition or below the tops of the circles in the offensive zone.
Key Development Goals
Increase Physicality: Commit to initiating contact more consistently in board battles and net-front play.
Improve Defensive Engagement: Develop the ability to contribute on the penalty kill and refine his defensive zone awareness.
Shot Accuracy: Focus on shot selection and execution to reduce blocked and missed attempts.
Strength and Conditioning: Add muscle to enhance his ability to win puck battles and sustain physical play over a full season.
Projection
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. His ability to combine size, skill, and offensive instincts makes him a tantalizing prospect. If he develops his physicality and defensive reliability, he could become a valuable asset who impacts all facets of the game.
Draft Outlook
Lakovic is currently projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Teams will be drawn to his size, skill set, and upside, but his relative rawness will really make NHL organizations watch him closely during the second half.
Player Comparison
Tage Thompson (Buffalo Sabres) – A tall, lanky forward who combines high-end puck skills and scoring touch with the potential to become a dominant physical presence as his game matures.
Final Assessment
Lynden Lakovic is a high-upside prospect with the tools to become a versatile NHL forward. With continued development in his physicality, deception, and defensive details, he has the potential to make a significant impact at the professional level. His combination of size and skill will undoubtedly draw the attention of NHL teams as a unique and valuable asset.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images