Jakub Lauko Bio
Jakub Lauko (born 28 March 2000) is a Czech professional ice hockey center who currently plays for HC Dynamo Pardubice of the Czech Extraliga (ELH). Standing 185 cm tall and weighing 88 kg, Lauko has built his career on agility, two-way responsibility, and a willingness to compete in high-pressure moments. He was selected 77th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and went on to play in both the American Hockey League (AHL) and the National Hockey League (NHL) before returning home to the Czech Republic in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Jakub Lauko was born on 28 March 2000 in Prague, Czech Republic, and grew up surrounded by a deep hockey culture. He is of partial Ukrainian descent through his grandmother, who was from Lviv, a heritage that has shaped his family identity. From an early age, Lauko showed a clear aptitude for the game, working his way through the Czech youth system with a focus on skating and competitive play.
His development in Prague’s junior ranks prepared him for a step into senior hockey at a young age. By the time he was selected in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Lauko had already accumulated two seasons of professional experience in the Czech Extraliga, an unusual feat for a player of his age. That early exposure to men’s hockey helped him adjust quickly to the physical and tactical demands of the North American game.
Path to Hockey
Lauko began his professional career in 2016 with Piráti Chomutov of the Czech Extraliga, where he spent two seasons establishing himself as a reliable two-way forward. His strong play in Chomutov caught the attention of NHL scouts, and he was selected in the third round, 77th overall, by the Boston Bruins in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. On 28 September 2018, the Bruins signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract, formally launching his North American trajectory.
For the 2018–19 season, Lauko joined the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) to further his development. He recorded 41 points in 44 games during the regular season, then helped the Huskies defeat the Halifax Mooseheads in four games to capture the President’s Cup. Lauko finished the postseason with 13 points in 19 games, and the Huskies went on to win the Memorial Cup, with Lauko leading the tournament in scoring with eight points in five games.
Jakub Lauko Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
Lauko’s earliest professional hockey experience came with Piráti Chomutov of the Czech Extraliga, where he played from 2016 to 2018. The move gave him valuable ice time against grown men and helped him refine the defensive details that would later become a hallmark of his game. His consistency in Chomutov laid the groundwork for both his draft selection and his smooth transition to the QMJHL.
With the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in 2018–19, Lauko emerged as a difference-maker, posting 41 points in 44 games and then thriving in the playoffs. He added 13 points in 19 postseason contests, leading the Huskies to the President’s Cup and then to the Memorial Cup title. His eight points in five Memorial Cup games earned him the tournament scoring lead and gave him championship experience before he turned 20.
Providence and Boston Bruins Breakthrough (2019–2024)
Lauko joined the Providence Bruins of the AHL for the 2019–20 season. On 7 December 2019, he was stretchered off the ice in a game against the Utica Comets after a collision with Justin Bailey, though he was able to give a thumbs-up while leaving the game. He finished that season with nine points in 22 games, and on 17 August 2020, the Bruins loaned him to HC Energie Karlovy Vary of the Czech Extraliga until the delayed 2020–21 North American season began. After returning to Providence, he played 23 games and tallied 19 points in the shortened campaign.
In 2022–23, Lauko earned his first sustained look at the NHL roster. He made his NHL debut on 12 October 2022 against the Washington Capitals and registered his first NHL point with an assist on a goal by Nick Foligno, a teammate he grew close to and calls “Uncle Nick.” After a goal against the Arizona Coyotes was waved off for goaltender interference on 15 October 2022, he finally scored his first official NHL goal on 1 November 2022 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He finished the season with 4 goals and 3 assists in 23 NHL games, bouncing between Boston and Providence. On 5 July 2023, he signed a two-year contract worth $787,500 average annual value with the Bruins, with the first year structured as a two-way deal.
Minnesota Wild and Return to Boston (2024–2025)
On 29 June 2024, Lauko was traded, along with a fourth-round selection (122nd overall) in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Vinni Lettieri and a 2024 fourth-round pick (110th overall). His time in Minnesota gave him additional NHL experience before another move reshaped his season. On 6 March 2025, Lauko was traded back to the Boston Bruins, alongside Marat Khusnutdinov and a sixth-round draft pick, in exchange for Justin Brazeau. He played out the remainder of the season with the Bruins, posting 2 goals and 5 points in 18 appearances as Boston missed the playoffs for the first time in nine years.
HC Dynamo Pardubice Era (2025–Present)
After the Bruins did not tender him a qualifying offer, Lauko opted to return to the Czech Republic as a free agent. On 1 August 2025, he signed a three-year contract with HC Dynamo Pardubice of the Czech Extraliga, taking the next step of his career in his home country. The move allows him to take on a featured role in a top domestic league while staying close to family.
Driving Style and Strengths
Lauko is recognized for his skating, agility, and reliable two-way play. Coaches have trusted him in defensive-zone matchups and on the penalty kill, while his quick first step makes him effective on the forecheck. His close bond with veteran Nick Foligno also reflected a player who fits well into structured locker rooms and embraces mentorship opportunities.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Lauko’s defining moments are his Memorial Cup scoring title with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in 2019, his NHL debut on 12 October 2022, and his first official NHL goal on 1 November 2022 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The trade back to Boston on 6 March 2025 and his subsequent signing with HC Dynamo Pardubice in August 2025 further underscore a career that has moved steadily between continents and leagues.
Jakub Lauko Career Highlights
Across junior, AHL, and NHL play, Lauko has collected a President’s Cup, a Memorial Cup, and an NHL goal to go with regular AHL duty. His championship experience in the QMJHL translated into a confident transition to professional hockey in North America, where he earned an NHL contract and a regular roster spot with the Boston Bruins.
QMJHL and AHL Highlights
With the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in 2018–19, Lauko posted 41 points in 44 games and added 13 points in 19 playoff games, helping the Huskies sweep the Halifax Mooseheads for the President’s Cup. He then led the Memorial Cup in scoring with eight points in five games. In the AHL with the Providence Bruins, he recorded nine points in 22 games in 2019–20 and 19 points in 23 games in the shortened 2020–21 campaign.
Other Wins and Performances
In the NHL, Lauko registered 4 goals and 3 assists in 23 games with the Boston Bruins in 2022–23, then added 2 goals and 5 points in 18 games with the Bruins after being reacquired in March 2025. His tenure with HC Energie Karlovy Vary in 2020–21 and his move to HC Dynamo Pardubice in 2025 also reflect consistent involvement in top-level Czech hockey.
Jakub Lauko Family
Family Background and Heritage
Jakub Lauko was born and raised in Prague, Czech Republic, and is of partial Ukrainian descent through his grandmother, who was from Lviv. This family heritage has remained a part of his identity as he has traveled between the Czech Republic and North America for his hockey career.
Personal Life
Public information about Lauko’s personal life centers on his family roots in Prague and his close relationships with teammates, including his well-known bond with Boston Bruins forward Nick Foligno. Details about a spouse, partner, or children are not publicly available in verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
Lauko’s 2025 campaign was defined by a series of transitions. After being traded back to the Boston Bruins on 6 March 2025, he posted 2 goals and 5 points in 18 games as Boston missed the playoffs for the first time in nine years. Despite the team’s struggles, his energy and two-way play remained consistent.
As a free agent, Lauko did not receive a qualifying offer from the Bruins and decided to return home. On 1 August 2025, he signed a three-year contract with HC Dynamo Pardubice of the Czech Extraliga, signaling a new chapter in his career. The move gives him a chance to take on a larger offensive role in a familiar league.
Looking ahead, Lauko is expected to be a key contributor for Pardubice, where his NHL experience and championship pedigree from the Memorial Cup run with Rouyn-Noranda could translate into a strong showing. The multi-year deal also provides stability as he continues to develop into a veteran leader in Czech hockey.