WHL Stock Watch: Capitals prospect Lynden Lakovic continues to evolve
Since last month’s Stock Watch, not much has changed.
J.P. Hurlbert remains the league’s top scorer, now having 30 points in 17 games. The Everett Silvertips are the best team in the league, powered by Julius Miettinen, Matias Vanhanen, Shea Busch, and now-returned Carter Bear.
Out east, the Edmonton Oil Kings sit atop the conference, thanks in no small part due to the breakout seasons of Leafs prospect Miroslav Holinka and North Dakota commit Ethan MacKenzie. But the Prince Albert Raiders, still undefeated in regulation, are lurking with an 0.885 points percentage, and the Calgary Hitmen are rapidly making up ground.
So that leaves no shortage of Stock Watch candidates, headlined by Capitals first-rounder Lynden Lakovic, top-10 prospect Carson Carels, and a surprise leading finisher.
Stock Rising 📈
Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw Warriors (Washington Capitals)
Since the start of October, Lynden Lakovic is second in the league in goals, driven by 10 in his last 10. Yet his stat-line – 14 games, 13 goals, five assists – understates his impact. He’s killing penalties and scoring shorties, running the power play, leading his team’s rush game, and setting up just as many chances as he’s getting himself.
Lakovic’s time in the WHL has been defined by his evolution, from an outside-driving sniper to a supportive winger to a transition-leading playmaking. Now, he’s addressing the biggest remaining question in his game – physical skills – as highlighted in a report from this past weekend:
“What impressed the most was the new layer of physicality atop his play. After driving inside for a chance, he followed up the puck, used his stick to slow down and dig into the opponent, which allowed him to recover the puck and drive the slot again. He threw a hit on the backcheck for a stop and used his frame to shield from pressure better than I've ever seen before.”
While there’s still work to do on that side of Lakovic’s game, that he continues to evolve as a player bodes well for his future. He remains a high upside prospect, who could potentially fill a top-six role. In the short-term, he’ll be leading a presumably now all-in Warriors team, after trading five picks, including a first, for goaltender 2006-born goaltender Chase Wutzke.
Carson Carels, LD, Prince George Cougars (2026 NHL Draft)
It hasn’t been a blazing start for Carson Carels production-wise, but watching him paints the picture of a player in the fight for the WHL’s top 2026 NHL Draft prospect – and maybe even leading it. Prince George counts on him for everything, running their game at even-strength, the power play, and also killing penalties.
An explosive skater, Carels only needs a step or two to erase gaps, kill plays, or separate from defenders to create offence. At first glance, he’s a “big plays” player, making his impact felt with crushing hits, long-range breakout passes, and shifty moves. But there are even more subtleties in his game, with his angling, rush defence, and ever-expanding playmaking arsenal.
Given Carels’ relative youth for such a big role, there’s understandably some growing inefficiency in his game. Past history shows that generally improves quickly. More and more, he’s looking like a clear top-10 talent in this draft class.
Chase Surkan, LW, Brandon Wheat Kings (2027 NHL Draft)
The WHL’s goal-per-game leader isn’t an overager or 19-year-old. It’s not even an NHL draft pick. It’s 16-year-old rookie forward Chase Surkan, who has 12 goals in 11 games, including a league-leading 10 power play goals.
On the man advantage, Surkan scores in just about every way: Net-front work, backdoor finishes with body-positioning, quick-release wristers as the bump, and clever in-tight handling.
When the Wheat Kings featured in Stock Falling last month, they were 0-5. With Surkan and running mate Jaxon Jacobson on fire, they’re 6-4 in their last 10 with the league’s hottest power play. When regression inevitably hits Brandon’s power play, Surkan will likely be able to make up the difference at 5-on-5, where he’s been unlucky so far. He’s a high-intensity forward who has created a lot at 5-on-5 with his forechecking and nose for the net. He’s a name to remember for the 2027 NHL Draft.
Max Heise, C, Prince Albert Raiders (San Jose Sharks)
To call Max Heise a surprising pick would’ve been underselling it. In the last 15 years, he’s the lowest-scoring re-entry forward picked out of the BCHL. But the Sharks fifth-rounder looks worth the investment, as he has nine goals in his first 11 WHL games.
A powerful, rangy centre, Heise controls games down low. He wins inside positioning around the net, hammers in rebounds, and wins races down low before setting up chances inside. Increasingly, he’s becoming an open-ice threat, using his crossover burst to power past defenders or initiating passing plays.
Moving forward, Heise will have to round out his defensive game while adding more physicality, but there’s plenty of season ahead for the Michigan State commit. Long-term, he could fill a fourth-line for the Sharks, provided he can bring some additional off-puck value.
Honourable Mentions: Nathan Behm (Chicago Blackhawks), Miroslav Holinka (Toronto Maple Leafs), Landon Amrhein (2026 NHL Draft), Brayden Klimpke (2026 NHL Draft), Parker Alcos (Vancouver Canucks), Brandon Gorzynski (Dallas Stars), Rhett Sather (2027 NHL Draft), Tyus Sparks (2026 NHL Draft).
Stock Steady ↔️
Bryce Pickford, RD, Medicine Hat Tigers (Montréal Canadiens)
After last season, it didn’t really seem like Bryce Pickford could go anywhere but down offensively. He potted 33 goals in 66 WHL games, and broke records with his touch of death in the playoffs – he’s a defenceman! Now, he’s proving that was no fluke, potting goals at the same clip in largely the same ways: One-timer bombs and catch-and-release wristers from the circle.
Elsewhere, Pickford continues to hold the line. He’s still a stout game-manager, limiting damage with his inside protection skills and making efficient players. But he’s also shown the physical side more, along with some additional flashes of patience and skill on breakouts.
Down the stretch, look for Pickford to tap into those skills more. He continues to be an intriguing prospect, bringing a combination of a standout skill with a well-rounded approach.
Stock Falling 📉
The Spokane Chiefs
Notably absent from the upper echelon of the standings have been the Spokane Chiefs. They’ve been stingy defensively, allowing just the second-fewest goals in the conference, but anemic offensively, with just 42 goals backed by an abysmal 7.1 power play conversion percentage.
The Chiefs’ leading scorer and top 2026 Draft prospect, Mathis Preston, has just 12 points in 14 games, while Winnipeg Jets pick Owen Martin has just three in 12. Both have underperformed offensively, even beyond the points. Preston’s understandable drop in efficiency as the team’s new driver has led to some extremely tough nights, while Martin hasn’t been able to get inside for chances with any regularity. They’ll need better from both.
Still, the Chiefs will inevitably get it together, as they have the league’s 5th-best shot share and 7th-best expected goals share via InStat Hockey, but with nearly a quarter of the season gone, it’s time to find their scoring touch. At least Berkly Catton may appear on the horizon.