Washington Capitals prospect Hendrix Lapierre has been putting in quite a bit of work this offseason, and it looks like it's paying off.
Lapierre has been training with Amped Hockey this summer, where he's been on the ice showcasing his speed, shot and positioning, as well as quick hands and hockey IQ.
It's a positive sign for the 22-year-old, who signed a one-year extension earlier in the offseason and is in for a high-stakes training camp in the coming weeks.
Lapierre is expected to make a strong push to crack the Capitals opening night roster and secure a full-time spot in the lineup as he becomes waiver-eligible and starts a new bridge deal.
He originally made the roster last season and was expected to be the full-time third-line center, but struggled to find consistency and provide the team with stability on that trio, leading D.C. to return him to the AHL's Hershey Bears and bring Lars Eller in via trade.
There are multiple jobs up for grabs, and there will be competition for the third-line center role again, though it won't be easy.
That 3C job is Connor McMichael's to lose, and Andrew Cristall is also gunning to make the team out of camp, while Sonny Milano is also expected to be ready for the start of training camp as he attempts his comeback from an injury that held him out for almost all of last season. Ivan Miroshnichenko is also champing at the bit for his NHL chance, and Henrik Rybinski is a dark horse for a spot, too.
Looking At McMichael's Opportunity For 2025-26 & How It Bolsters The Capitals
Connor McMichael really took his game to a new level this past season, putting up career numbers while thriving with top-six minutes and more responsibility. And going into this year, he's expected to get an even bigger role.
Still, Lapierre looks to be in better shape and confident going into camp, and after finishing last year on a positive, point-per-game note with the Bears, expect him to be motivated.