When you look at Lynden Lakovic’s stats, you might scoff. They weren’t outstanding until 2024-25, despite it being his third full season with the Moose Jaw Warriors. That can be a red flag to a contingent of Detroit Red Wings fans, but the entire ‘it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish’ mantra should apply.
Lakovic, however, brings two traits that will entice any fan base: size and unlimited potential. So, even if his numbers are an outlier this season, you’re drafting him 13th overall should you keep the pick based on his potential. He’s already shown he could develop into a game-changer at the junior hockey level, and that could become the case when he inevitably reaches the NHL.
Speaking of size, Lakovic is barely 18 and a half, and he’s already 6’4, 190 lbs. Yeah, that’s rather thin for his height, but give him time and he’ll grow into that frame, as so many prospects do.
Why would Lynden Lakovic be a good fit for the Red Wings?
Steve Yzerman’s done an excellent job scoping out talent in the first round since he returned to the Motor City. So, if he makes a pick based on potential, trust his judgment, because it’ll likely pay off in a few seasons. And he can start rolling with those higher-risk, higher-reward prospects because of how many of his picks evolved through the Red Wings system in recent seasons.
Names like Moritz Seider, Albert Johansson, Lucas Raymond, Simon Edvinsson, and Marco Kasper have all graduated to the NHL level and played significant minutes. Another prospect, Carter Mazur, would have if it wasn’t for an injury sustained early in his debut. So, Lakovic would have history on his side.
And like I said, Lakovic has the stats to back it up from this past season, with 58 points and 27 goals in 47 games. That’s a massive increase from the 39 points and 18 goals he put up in 68 contests last year. If Lakovic builds on his success next season and plays a solid, three-zone game, he’ll be worth it for whoever drafts him.
Where would Lynden Lakovic fit in the system if drafted?
He’ll only need to take one more season at the WHL level before graduating to the AHL. There, I’d expect at least two seasons of development, since Lakovic may take a little longer. But, he’s got power-forward potential and has shown he can be effective in all three zones, so taking it slow with his development would be key.
I’ve often said the Wings need to get more physical, and that needs to be a trend that spans the rest of the decade and beyond. A player like Lakovic would guarantee the Wings don’t let up on that front when they ultimately add more power-forward-like players to their big club. Lakovic would be waiting in the wings for a larger role as he continues to hone his game.
There may be flashier players available at No. 13 if the Wings stuck around there, like Carter Bear or Justin Carbonneau. But sometimes, necessary upends flashy, and that’s what the Red Wings could get with Lakovic.