Unveiling the True Height of Prospects: The Case of Lynden Lakovic
In the world of professional hockey, the heights listed on player profiles often carry a degree of exaggeration. Slight overestimations, whether intentional or due to measurement inconsistencies, are common-sometimes players are rounded up by a quarter-inch, or a subtle tiptoe stance during measurement is overlooked, resulting in inflated official figures.
Measuring Up: The Reality Behind Player Heights
Take Lynden Lakovic, a recent first-round pick by the Washington Capitals, selected 27th overall in the NHL draft. Officially, he is listed at 6-foot-4, a measurement provided by the league’s draft combine. However, during a recent team visit, Lakovic was observed standing eye-to-eye with Capitals General Manager Chris Patrick, who is 6-foot-5. This discrepancy highlights how official measurements can sometimes be slightly off from a player’s actual stature.
Following the prospect development camp last week, Patrick expressed his surprise at Lakovic’s size, remarking, “He was bigger and taller than I anticipated.” Lakovic, with a sense of humor, joked, “Maybe the combine got it wrong,” hinting that the official height might not be entirely accurate.
Draft Position and Expectations: The Inside Perspective
Team executives often claim they feel fortunate to have drafted a player at a certain spot, suggesting the player was expected to be off the board earlier. Ross Mahoney, Washington’s assistant general manager overseeing amateur scouting, provided a candid assessment of Lakovic’s draft position. Despite being projected as high as the late teens, Lakovic slipped to the 27th pick, which Mahoney attributed partly to the team’s assessment of his potential and circumstances surrounding his junior team.
Challenges Faced by Lakovic’s Junior Team
During his time with Moose Jaw in the Western Hockey League, Lakovic experienced a challenging season. The team traded away many veteran players, which impacted their competitiveness and visibility. Not being part of a playoff-bound squad can hinder a prospect’s draft stock, as scouts have fewer opportunities to evaluate their skills in high-stakes situations. Additionally, playing on a weaker team complicates the assessment of individual talent.
However, Mahoney pointed out that this adversity also presented unique growth opportunities. “He was made captain after the veteran players left, which forced him into a leadership role,” Mahoney explained. “While there were some setbacks, this experience likely contributed to his development and may have even helped him slide to us.”
From Draft to Development: A Rapid Transition
Since being drafted on June 27 in Los Angeles, Lakovic’s journey has been rapid and intense. The very next morning, he flew to Washington to participate in the Capitals’ week-long development camp. The camp’s daily schedule includes on-ice drills focusing on skills, skating, and positional play, alongside off-ice sessions on nutrition, mental preparation, and life skills-aimed at preparing prospects for the professional ranks.
First Impressions and Personal Experiences
Hailing from Kelowna, British Columbia, Lakovic had never visited the U.S. capital before. He quickly learned about Washington’s summer climate-hot and humid-and enjoyed the experience of meeting fellow prospects and witnessing the Fourth of July fireworks at the Washington Monument. On the ice, his height and shooting prowess made him stand out, while off the ice, he appreciated the camaraderie and new surroundings.
Expressing his excitement, Lakovic shared, “It’s surreal how fast everything has happened. I’m really enjoying my time here and the organization has been incredible. I couldn’t be happier.”
Contract Signing and Future Prospects
Before leaving camp, the Capitals signed Lakovic to a three-year entry-level contract-a standard procedure for prospects of his caliber. This contract is “slide eligible,” meaning its clock won’t start until he plays 10 NHL games in a season or turns 20, providing flexibility for his development timeline.
His first call after signing was to his mother, Devon, who was overjoyed. “She was extremely happy,” Lakovic said, “that’s an understatement.”
Physical Development and Skill Enhancement
Like many teenagers of his height-whether officially 6-foot-4 or 6-foot-5-Lakovic still has room to fill out physically. At the combine, he weighed 200 pounds, but his lanky frame suggests he’s still growing into his body. This summer, he plans to focus on strength training, improving his defensive game, and adding a touch of assertiveness to his style of play.
“My frame gives me an advantage, and I want to use it effectively,” Lakovic stated. “I’m working on rounding out my entire game-both offensively and defensively-because that’s what it takes to stay in the NHL. Learning to play on both ends of the ice is a priority for me, and I look forward to developing that with the team’s coaching staff.”
Looking Ahead: Returning to the Ice
In the upcoming months, Lakovic will participate in rookie and main training camps in Washington. Following these sessions, he is expected to return to Moose Jaw for another season, where he aims to have a more impactful and successful campaign.
“That’s what I’m most excited about this year,” he said. “To develop my skills, contribute to my team, and grow both as a player and a person. I believe that focusing on winning and personal growth will be crucial for my progress.”