Capitals’ Prospect Hendrix Lapierre: “I Feel Confident In My Abilities And My General Play”

On Sunday, Washington Capitals prospect Hendrix Lapierre spoke to the media following the second day of the 2021 Rookie Camp at Medstar Capitals Iceplex. Lapierre was drafted in the first round (22nd overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft. On October 27, the Capitals signed Lapierre to a three-year entry-level contract that carries an average annual value of $925,000. He discussed today his confidence and comfortability during camp and the eagerness to play for the Capitals.

Lapierre said he was “definitely more comfortable” during this year’s camp versus last year. “I get to the rink, I know what I want to do, [and] I know I want to be on the ice and be the best player I can be,” he said, adding, “I prepare myself and things are going well so far, so just want to keep it like that.” He noted that having the “second-year experience” helps.

The 19-year-old center expressed his readiness and confidence and “getting closer” every day to playing in the NHL. “I do everything in my power each and every day to be a better hockey player whether it’s on-ice preparation, off-ice preparation…I think I had a really good summer in terms of training, nutrition, and sleep…I feel confident in my abilities and my general play.”

Hendrix Lapierre: 2021 Annual Review And Forecast

Lapierre explained that he watched videos of last season’s games to analyze what he could improve on. He “took the next step” in training and “feel[s] the benefit of it” now at camp. “It’s only been two days, but I want to keep it like that and keep working, and showing what I’m made of.”

During the 2020-21 season, Lapierre was named one of the QMJHL’s Scholastic Players for the month of December 2020. He recorded 31 points (8g, 23a) in 21 games with Chicoutimi Saguenéen, leading Chicoutimi in assists and ranking second on the team in points. The 6’0″, 178-pound forward recorded nine multi-point games, including a career-high four points (2g, 2a) against the Shawinigan Cataracteson on October 2, 2020. Lapierre also recorded 12 points (5g, 7a) in nine playoff games.

He was traded to the Acadie-Bathurst Titan from Chicoutimi on June 23. “If I were to get cut from here, I think I’d go there and we can have a really good season.” On August 28, Lapierre scored a goal and picked up an assist during a pre-season matchup.

“I really want to prove that I’m not only a junior player right now…that I can play the next level,” Lapierre said, adding, “I know it’s going to be tough-it’s the National Hockey League…I have nothing to lose, so I just want to go forward and be the best player I can be and we’ll see what happens.”

I really want to prove that I’m not only a junior player right now, that I can play at the next level.”

Hendrix Lapierre speaks with the media following Day 2 of Rookie Camp.#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/HE5kMZSxMH

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) September 19, 2021