"You saw it in the skate test - he blew away his group. For a guy his size at his age to be able to be that efficient as a skater is really impressive. For someone that big, that you think is only going to grow into being a big power forward that can skate like that, is very unique."
"And he's got a great presence about him. Usually, [at] your first pro camp, you're a little tentative, nervous, just kind of getting where you fit in. He's asking questions, looking you in the eye. 'What do I do here, coach?' You can feel he's got confidence and also a little bit of swagger, but not in an arrogant way, in a way that he feels like he fits in and can play with everybody out here."
Lynden Lakovic, an 18-year-old, 6-foot-4 winger and Washington's first-round pick in 2025, impressed at rookie camp and NHL training camp with uncommon speed and presence for his size. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery praised his deceptive speed, skate-test performance, efficiency as a skater, confidence, and ability to fit in. Lakovic made his preseason debut against the Bruins on Sept. 21, logging 13:53 on the fourth line with Eriks Mateiko and Spencer Smallman. After nine days in camp he was among eight cuts and was optioned to the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors for the 2025–26 season. The early cut reflected roster competition rather than poor play.
Read at RMNB
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