What Role Will Hendrix Lapierre Play For The Capitals This Season?

It's set to be a pivotal year for Hendrix Lapierre, who's returning to the Washington Capitals on a one-year "prove it" deal that marks another chance to prove his worth.

That being said, all eyes are on him going into training camp, while it also remains to be seen what exactly his role will be.

After standing out in his call-up to D.C. to close out the prior season, Lapierre started the 2024-25 campaign as the Capitals' third-line center. However, he struggled with two-way play and consistency and ultimately couldn't succeed in that role.

As he navigated his woes, he was sent to the AHL's Hershey Bears, while the front office and coaching staff also outlined their expectations for him going forward.

The 23-year-old had a strong finish to the AHL campaign, putting up 32 points in 32 regular-season games with Hershey before adding three assists in eight playoff games.

While Lapierre couldn't exactly pinpoint what went wrong, he was able to turn things around and find his game again at the AHL level, and going into this season, is expected to compete for a roster spot as he looks to make the most of the bridge deal he received as a restricted free agent.

As for what his role will be, the Capitals still need to find a full-time solution at third-line center, though that job is Connor McMichael's to lose. Lapierre's likely path is to play on the wing, but he also faces tough competition there, with Ivan Miroshnichenko, Ethen Frank and Andrew Cristall all hungry for spots up front and Sonny Milano also attempting a comeback from injury.

For Lapierre, the coming year will be about rekindling his confidence and being a sound, steady player at both ends of the ice that can take good care of the puck and drive play.

If he can do that, he'll be the player that Washington wants, and perhaps earn a longer stay, too. And, if he can't, he'll have to continue developing in Hershey, but it also may be worth it for the team to look into giving him a change of scenery if that's the case.