Hendrix Lapierre, the 22nd overall draft pick in the 2020 NHL entry draft has signed an entry-level with the Washington Capitals. Lapierre is an intriguing prospect that many view as a potential steal in the 2020 NHL entry draft. In the 2018-19 season, he was the offensive rookie of the year in the QMJHL posting 13 goals and 32 assists for Chicoutimi. However, injuries limited his 2019-20 season to just 19 games.
NEWS | The Washington Capitals have signed center Hendrix Lapierre to a three-year entry level contract.
Full Details: https://t.co/gdZ7Cd1x4O#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/IYDxe69pIt
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 27, 2020
Washington Capitals Sign Hendrix Lapierre To ELC
The Capitals had targeted Lapierre at the draft and, when he was still available at 22, they decided to move up. The Capitals sent picks 24 and 80 to the Calgary Flames to ensure they got him.
Lapierre slid in the draft due to his injury concerns, not based on his talent. A series of concussions seemed to be an area of concern. However, it has been revealed that the injuries were cervical issues, not concussions
Despite only playing 19 games in 2019-20, Lapierre was nominated alongside Alexis Lafreniere and Dawson Mercer as one of three finalists for the Michael Bossy Trophy, awarded annually to the player deemed “best professional prospect” emerging from the QMJHL. Lafreniere went on to win the award.
A pass-first center, Lapierre thinks the game at an incredibly high level. He possesses high-level skating ability and a two-way game that will serve him well at the NHL level. As with most 18-year-old players, strength will be a work in progress for Lapierre. His skill, Hockey IQ and skating, however, are all NHL ready.
In his prospect report, LOWH’s Ben Kerr states that “Lapierre is a creative playmaker who creates scoring chances for his linemates. He can pass the puck through tight openings and hits teammates on the tape. Lapierre’s ability to speed up the play or to slow it down allows him to control the pace of the game.”
Read the complete prospect report here.
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