During the 2024–25 NHL season, the Washington Capitals reestablished themselves as a formidable force, clinching the top spot in the Eastern Conference. However, the team’s third line emerged as a weak point, with center Hendrix Lapierre facing particular challenges.
After earning the AHL Playoff MVP title and securing a second consecutive Calder Cup with the Hershey Bears, Lapierre began the season as the Capitals’ third-line center. Despite this promising start, his performance fell short of expectations. In 27 NHL games, he averaged 9 minutes and 48 seconds of ice time, recorded eight assists without scoring any goals, and had a faceoff win rate of 39.6%. His on-ice presence at five-on-five situations saw the Capitals outscored 11 to 7, with negative differentials in both scoring chances and high-danger opportunities. Notably, he received 87.5% of his starts in the offensive zone but still struggled to make a significant impact.
In response to these challenges, the Capitals traded for veteran center Lars Eller in November. By December, Lapierre was reassigned to the AHL’s Hershey Bears. Head coach Spencer Carbery explained that the decision aimed to provide Lapierre with more playing time and an opportunity to regain confidence, rather than having him play limited minutes or sit in the stands.
Initially, Lapierre found the demotion frustrating but remained determined to improve. In the AHL, he became a point-per-game player for the first time in his career, tallying 7 goals and 25 assists in 32 games. He also increased his shot attempts, averaging 2.31 shots per game, and demonstrated significant growth in areas beyond traditional statistics.
Lapierre acknowledged the challenges of returning to the AHL but credited the coaching staff and teammates for helping him rediscover his game. Capitals general manager Chris Patrick noted that Lapierre took the organization’s feedback seriously, showing improvement not only in observable performance but also in tracked analytics.
Looking ahead, Lapierre is focused on leveraging the offseason to enhance his physical conditioning and overall game. He plans to review his performances critically and work diligently to secure a spot on the Capitals’ roster for the upcoming season. His resilience and commitment to growth have been recognized by both teammates and coaches, positioning him as a strong contender for a return to the NHL.
