Entering the 2019- 2020 season, the expectations were high for Bruins prospect Jakub Lauko. The former third-round pick was coming off an impressive season in the QMHL, where he had 21 goals and 20 assists. He also had a strong showing at training camp in which his offensive potential was on full display. Although Lauko showed why scouts were so high on him, the Canadian native he began the season in Providence.
Things, however, did not go as planned as Lauko was limited by injuries. The young winger only appeared in 22 games scoring five goals and recording four assists. He also appeared in the World Juniors Championship, where Lauko, lasted less than a minute before an MCL injury, ended his tournament and ultimately his 2019- 2020 season.
Jakub Lauko is banged up in the neutral zone. Favoring his right knee. #NHLBruins #WJC pic.twitter.com/sqStNv73TC
— Josh Tessler 🇺🇦 (@JoshTessler_) December 26, 2019
Although Lauko’s development was put on pause the expectations next season will be the same. The twenty-year-old is still one of the Bruins best prospects and projects to be an offensive weapon in the future. His return next year will also serve as a boost to a Providence team that will be coming off one of their best seasons in recent memory.
Lauko was selected by the Bruins with the 77th overall pick of the 2018 NHL draft after being a standout on the international stage. He excelled due to his speed and scoring touch which made him hard to stop. In training camp, Lauko continued to show his offensive skills by tallying two goals before being assigned to Providence.
The Speed.@jakub_lauko | #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/0KuBYccQvi
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) September 24, 2019
When Lauko began the year in the AHL, he played like a player with something to prove. The Bruins were hoping that he would continue to develop his game and improve his puck carrying. Next year assuming Lauko can stay healthy, he will again get that opportunity over the course of a full season.
Furthermore, the former third-round pick projects to be a top-six winger. Along with fellow prospect Jack Studnicka, the Bruins have a promising future assuming both prospects pan out. If Lauko can play himself into a top-six role at Providence next year, then he may be in the NHL sooner than later.
After a promising preseason, the 2019-2020 campaign was defined by injuries for one of Boston’s top prospects. The Bruins, are hoping, however, that Lauko uses it as motivation for next season. He will once again have a chip on his shoulder, which last year brought out the best in his abilities. Lauko has already shown that he has the talent to make an impact, now the key is staying healthy.
