I've known Lachlan was a highly touted player for this class, but it's taken me until the Silver Stick to really figure out his game and feel confident that he belonged on my list. Relative to past viewings, I just thought he used his tools more to drive scoring chances more frequently, showing what his game was all about when things clicked. He's a powerful skater, and he used his frame well to be strong on the puck and protect it from defenders. Both on the rush and on the cycle, I noted Lachlan as being problematic for defenders to contain, and he could find ways to drive toward the net. It just all became more apparent that he could thrive with the puck on his stick, shield pucks from defenders, and find ways to spark scoring chances relying on his physical abilities. There was a stellar passing layer to his game and handling to dodge checks, but this theme of powerful skating and puck protection was my key takeaway.

I noticed Lachlan quite a bit over the Titans Tournament but felt he elevated his play here, and I noticed him more and more. I thought he was assertive with the puck on his stick, using his reach to his advantage to protect the puck and control play. At times, his play seemed tactical and methodical, smartly protecting the puck from defenders and then making a subsequent play to a win a zone entry or exit. It wasn't anything super flashy, but just making the right play for the situation and being a key piece to his line.