WHL insider draws Josh Anderson comparison in breakdown of Lynden Lakovic, a projected option at 13th overall for the Detroit Red Wings.
The NHL draft is just eight days away and with all the mock drafts from every media outlet, it's difficult to find much on an individual player's talents besides the first couple of picks.
The Detroit Red Wings are sitting with the 13th overall pick and have been linked to a couple names but one of the names that continues to circulate is Lynden Lakovic from the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL.
The 18-year-old forward is coming off a solid 58-point campaign that was shortened when the Kelowna native suffered a debilitating lower-body injury that sidelined him for nearly seven weeks. The injury was never revealed publicly but when returning to the lineup, the team appreciated his resiliency and named him the team captain.
Luckily for us, WHL insider for The Hockey News, Dawson Petryshen has watched Lakovic play and can speak to the talent of the player. Detroit can always use elite playmakers and according to Petryshen, Lakovic could be a good fit in the Red Wings system as a middle-six forward with decent upside and could find himself on the power play in the future.
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"This is one that grew on me the more I saw as Lakovic grew throughout the year, and has rounded out his game on a struggling Warriors team but is ready to take the next step heading into his first full season as captain," Petryshen explained "There's no doubt he'll have a big year."
Petryshen described Lakovic as an elite shooter with great playmaking ability and hockey IQ. The comparison some have made is Washington's Tom Wilson or Montreal's Josh Anderson, as a power forward with lots of upside as his mobility has been noted as surprising for a 6-foot-4 forward like Lakovic.
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Some reports have also noted that he needs to improve his puck handling and learn how to better use his large size in game action.
If the Red Wings call Lakovic’s name at 13th overall, it would be a fitting Motor City match. His sturdy frame, and ability to shift gears in the offensive zone make him a natural fit for Detroit’s rebuild as a prospect who can bring both horsepower and grit. In a city built on steel and speed, Lakovic’s game feels right at home.