As we inch closer to the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday, we continue to look at potential draft day targets for the Columbus Blue Jackets. As I mentioned in a previous article, with the Blue Jackets owning two draft picks within the same 10 picks with number 14 and 20, they will be looking at the same tier of players.

Over the past few weeks, we've looked at names like Cameron Reid, Kashawn Aitcheson, Joshua Ravensbergen and more. Today, we are going to look at Lynden Lakovic, the forward from the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League.

Scouting Report

Team: Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

2024–25 Stats: 27 G, 31 A, 58 P, 4 PIM

DOB: Dec. 12, 2006

Position: F

Shoots: Left

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 190 lbs

Lakovic is a very appealing prospect in the upcoming draft, he has the size to be a power forward but the skill to be a scorer. It is something that we don't see every day in an NHL prospect. He has the passing ability to be a playmaker but also has the shot that makes him a threat. Although he isn't the most physical player in the draft, he has a knack for using his size to cause turnovers.

His speed is one of his best strengths, he can get up and down the ice with ease, which helps him on the backcheck. He often gets into lanes, whether it's with his long reach or his body, he plays a very reliable game on the defensive side of the puck. He has the potential to be a very good, high-scoring winger in the NHL. There could be a chance that the team that drafts him asks him to step up his physical play based on his size. But regardless, he has the skill to be an elite player in the league for years to come.

Former Columbus Blue Jackets Forward Manny Malhotra Wins Calder Cup Former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Manny Malhotra, head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks of the AHL, won the Calder Cup last night by defeating the Charlotte Checkers in six games.

What the Scouts Are Saying:

"Lakovic is always thinking about how to create the best play. A highly skilled passer, he seeks to add value to the sequence with every touch while still managing to keep the risk down. A powerful, accurate, and versatile shot provides the perfect complement for Lakovic’s playmaking. He fires in stride, changes the angle, and curls around sticks to create shooting lanes" — Elite Prospects, 2025

"He has a powerful and fluid stride and can easily avoid checkers. He's a creative offensive player with the hands to make defenders miss often. Lakovic sees the ice well enough but scouts aren't fully convinced on that aspect of his game." — Corey Pronman, The Athletic

 "He’s still got room to improve his scanning, off-puck play and decision-making, and his physicality needs to be more consistent, but his ability both in transition and protecting pucks in the offensive zone can really pop and he’s got clear top-nine projectability with good coaching. When he’s on pucks and up and under sticks and winning inside body positioning he can be really noticeable in a game with his skating, strength, power and skill." — Scott Wheeler, The Athletic

"Lakovic is so much fun to watch, and while he’s not putting up explosive offensive numbers, he reads plays so well and has an excellent shot. Things just seem to happen whenever he has the puck on the rush, and at 6-foot-4, he’s got tremendous size."  — Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

"His flashes of dynamic play turned into games where he controlled play all night long. He understands the most dangerous area on the ice is the slot and around the net, so he’s always looking to get the puck there." — Tony Ferrari, The Hockey News

"Lakovic is an outstanding skater for a player his size (6-4, 190), and the 18-year-old has the ability to skate through checks or put a defender on his hip and use his length to protect the puck and showcase another asset, his outstanding shot." — Adam Kimelman, NHL.com

"He's a high-end wing capable of setting up teammates and finishing around the goal, and he was Moose Jaw's captain this season. He's been compared by some to Sabres forward Tage Thompson." — Mike Morreale, NHL.com

Former Blue Jackets Draft Pick And Calder Cup Champion Signs In Europe Another former Blue Jacket has found a new home in Europe. 

The Blue Jackets could benefit from a player like Lakovic, his speed, size and skill would be intriguing alongside their young core. He has proven to be a goal scorer at the WHL level, if that can translate to the NHL along with his passing ability, there is a good chance that the Blue Jackets could opt to draft him with one of their two first round picks.

Let us know what you think below.

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story. 

2025 NHL Draft Order Officially Released The 2025 NHL Draft is this Friday, and the Blue Jacket picks are official. 

Columbus Blue Jackets 2025 Draft Target: Cameron Reid We are officially four days away from the 2025 NHL Draft and there are no shortage of news and rumors. Today, we saw Trevor Zegras be dealt to the Anaheim Ducks and it seems like there could be more moves like that happening over the next few days. The Columbus Blue Jackets could find themselves dipping into the trade market as well as we lead up to the draft. There are some reports suggesting that they are willing to part with one of their first round picks to make the team better now.

On This Day: In 2014 & 2017, The Blue Jackets Make Two Huge Trades On June 23, 2014, and June 23, 2017, Jarmo Kekäläinen made two massive trades that would reshape the Blue Jackets franchise. In 2011, the Jackets also made another trade that would turn out to be the worst in CBJ history. 

Blue Jackets Rumor Roundup: Marner, Provorov, & Draft Day Welcome to the first edition of Blue Jackets rumour roundup, where my colleague Jason Newland and I be covering all the news and rumors surrounding the Blue Jackets.