Hendrix Lapierre would be the first to say that this isn't how he wrote the 2024-25 season up.
The Washington Capitals prospect had been called up at the end of the 2023-24 season and impressed to such an extent that he remained a fixture on the roster, and was basically guaranteed the spot of third-line center going into this past year.
However, once the season started, he wasn't able to find that spark he possessed just months prior. His third line became a question mark as he was unable to produce or get much going, while also struggling defensively.
"I have no idea, honestly (what happened)," Lapierre told The Hockey News of his struggles to start the season. "I think I was just not playing well... I had a great summer, felt good, worked hard. So it was kind of weird to arrive and have a tough camp."
After 27 games where he had just eight assists, a plus/minus of minus-3 and a number of healthy scratches, Washington sent Lapierre down to the AHL's Hershey Bears to find his game again — and had a lengthy conversation with him about what he needs to do to improve.
"When we sent Hendrix down, we had a good, hard talk with him about what the expectations are going down to Hershey and what we’re going to be looking for," general manager Chris Patrick said.
It didn't take long for him to find his footing again, as he found his playmaking prowess and shined while playing top minutes and showcasing his speed and vision. In 32 games, he had seven goals and 25 assists for 32 points to close out the regular season. He has three assists in seven playoff games so far as he's working with the Bears to try and stave off elimination.
"To his credit, he’s gone down there and (lived up to expectations). Not just from what the coaches are saying and what we’re seeing, but from the different analytics that we track," Patrick said. "He’s done a really good job of taking what we said to heart."
After Lapierre was returned to Hershey, the hope was that Lars Eller would provide the stability that the team was looking for at third-line center, though that didn't go according to plan. That said, going into next season, Patrick said the team will explore internal and external options to fill that role, and Lapierre is among those names the Capitals will be keeping a close eye on.
"I think (his play in Hershey’s) put him in a good position here to say, ‘Hey, I’m deserving of this opportunity,'" Patrick said. "I hope he comes in and has a great training camp and really comes in and makes some tough decisions for the coaching staff."
