Washington Capitals prospect Hendrix Lapierre is back on track

There are few plays more exciting in hockey than an end-to-end rush. Watching a player collect the puck in their own zone, waltz through defenders, and then gain the offensive zone brings fans out of their seats. It's captivating.

Hendrix Lapierre was one of the 2020 NHL Draft's foremost end-to-end puck carriers. As a 16-year-old in the QMJHL, his rushing ability made him Offensive Rookie of the Year. It made him the assist-leader at the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament, with his eight in five games being tied for the most in a single tournament ever. 

Then, injuries hit. Lapierre appeared in just 19 games for Chicoutimi. But the tantalizing flashes of Lapierre's upside, and of course, the end-to-end rushes, were simply too much to ignore. The draft was pushed to October, giving Lapierre five additional regular-season games to prove himself. And, for the most part, he succeeded. The Capitals pounced, using their No. 22 overall pick on Lapierre. 

A 30-game season later, it's clear Lapierre's on the right path.