The Washington Capitals entered the 2025 NHL Draft with five picks, holding selections in each of the first five rounds. With the 27th overall pick, the Capitals selected Lynden Lakovic, a forward from the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Lakovic, an 18-year-old, had a strong 2024-25 season with the Warriors, tallying 27 goals and 31 assists for 58 points in 47 games. He led the Warriors in both goals and points, despite missing time due to an upper-body injury. Lakovic's coach, Mark O'Leary, praised his skill and competitive edge. At the Warriors Awards Night, Lakovic was recognized with the Moose Jaw Three Stars Award, Top Scorer, and Player of the Year honors.
Scouting reports suggest Lakovic is a skilled, offensive-minded winger with size, skating ability, and hockey sense. He is known for his powerful and accurate shot, playmaking abilities, and his knack for creating scoring chances. He uses his size and mobility to his advantage and has a smooth, powerful stride that allows him to move efficiently through all zones. While his playmaking is still developing, his vision has improved, adding to his offensive impact.
Several rankings had Lakovic rated as a first-round talent, with some placing him as high as 7th overall. However, some scouts believe that Lakovic may be a second-line player at best, citing concerns about his skating ability. Despite these concerns, the Capitals saw value in Lakovic's offensive toolkit and drafted him at No. 27. Some have even called Lakovic a steal at 27th overall.
Looking ahead to Day 2 of the draft, the Capitals hold the 37th, 73rd, 123rd, and 155th overall picks. While it's difficult to predict exactly who they might target, the Capitals have a few organizational needs they may look to address. The team has drafted a forward with their last five first-round picks and could use some quality depth on defense. A puck-moving, right-shot defenseman could be a prime target. Goaltending is another area where the Capitals could look to add to their prospect pool.
Potential Day 2 options for the Capitals could include players like Alexei Medvedev, a goaltender from the London Knights of the OHL. They could also consider forwards like Milton Gästrin, a versatile two-way player from Sweden, or Ivan Ryabkin, a high-upside offensive talent. Ultimately, the Capitals are expected to select the best player available, regardless of position.
The 2025 NHL Draft marks a shift to a decentralized format, with teams making their picks virtually from their local markets. Despite the change in format, the draft remains an exciting event with the potential for action and surprise.
