The Washington Capitals made waves at the NHL Draft by selecting 6'4" winger Lynden Lakovic from Moose Jaw with the 27th overall pick. Known for his elite shot and strong character, Lakovic was a captain in junior and models his game after Tage Thompson. The Caps love his size, skill, and maturity, signaling he could become a top-six winger down the line. Behind the scenes, GM Chris Patrick and Ross Mahoney stayed laser-focused, passing on theatrics and sticking to their plan.

Beyond Lakovic, the Caps emphasized size and upside throughout the draft. They grabbed Swedish two-way center Milton Gästrin, German power winger Maxim Schäfer, hard-nosed USHL center Jackson Crowder, and big Swedish defenseman Aron Dahlqvist. Each pick adds depth, character, and physicality to the pipeline. With smart Day 2 trades and a no-fluff approach, the Capitals are clearly building a team ready to compete in the trenches—and soon.

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