Jakub Lauko

Jakub Lauko (born 28 March 2000) is a Czech ice hockey center for the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Boston Bruins selected him in the third round (77th overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

Amateur
After two seasons with Piráti Chomutov of the Czech Extraliga (ELH), Lauko 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.

Lauko joined the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for the 2018–19 season. He recorded 41 points in 44 games. The Huskies defeated the Halifax Mooseheads in four games to win the President's Cup. Lauko finished the postseason with 13 points in 19 games. The Huskies then went on to capture the Memorial Cup. Lauko led the tournament in scoring with eight points in five games.

Boston Bruins
Lauko joined the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League (AHL) for the 2019–20 season. On 7 December, he was stretchered off the ice in a game against the Utica Comets. After checking Comets' forward Justin Bailey, Lauko collapsed to the ice. However, he was able to give a thumbs-up whilst exiting the game. Lauko finished the season with nine points in 22 games.

On 17 August 2020, the Bruins loaned Lauko to HC Energie Karlovy Vary of the Czech Extraliga until the commencement of the delayed 2020–21 North American season. Lauko returned to Providence, playing 23 games and totalling 19 points in the shortened North American season.

In the 2022–23 season, Lauko got his first chance at the NHL roster. Lauko made his NHL debut on 12 October 2022, against the Washington Capitals. He would register his first NHL point on an assist to a goal by Nick Foligno, who he developed a bond with and affectionately calls "Uncle Nick". On 15 October 2022, it seemed like Lauko scored his first NHL goal against the Arizona Coyotes, but the goal was later called back for goalie interference. He would then score his first NHL goal that counted on 1 November 2022, against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Throughout the season, Lauko bounced between the NHL club and the Providence Bruins. In 23 NHL games, Lauko had 4 goals and 3 assists in his first NHL season.

On 5 July 2023, Lauko signed a two-year contract worth $787,500 AAV with the Bruins, with the first year being a two-way deal.

Minnesota Wild
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 for Vinni Lettieri and a 2024 fourth-round selection (110th overall).

Personal
Lauko is well-known on social media for his love of grapes and has been repeatedly photographed bringing grapes into the arena before games. Lauko is also known for his love of Lord of the Rings.

Lauko is of partial Ukrainian descent through his grandmother, who was from Lviv.