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. [4] 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. [5] [6] Lauko returned to Providence, playing 23 games and totalling 19 points in the shortened North American season. [7]
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. [8] 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". [9] 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. [10] Throughout the season, Lauko bounced between the NHL club and the Providence Bruins. [11] 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. [12]
