3 Winnipeg Jets prospects primed for World Junior success
As we rapidly approach the holiday break, many hockey fans turn their attention to the World Junior Hockey Championship (WJC). Winnipeg Jets fans will get the opportunity to witness three Jets’ prospects, all of whom have a chance to make a big impact.
Winnipeg Jets’ prospects Brad Lambert, Chaz Lucius, and Rutger McGroarty are all ready to be key players for their countries. Lambert will suit up for Finland, and both Lucius and McGroarty will represent the United States.
While fans are likely aware of what led to their selection, let’s recap what their seasons have looked like prior to their tournament appearances.
Winnipeg Jets: Brad Lambert
After wowing fans in the preseason, Lambert found his way to the forefront of prospect talk for the Jets. Now, after a brief stint with the Manitoba Moose, Lambert is off to Halifax/Moncton to represent Finland in the WJC.
It’s been a bit of a rocky start for the 19-year-old, mainly due to an unfortunate stretch of both injury and illness. Now, Lambert looks to shake off the rust and play a big role as the team’s second-line center.
If pre-tournament lines are any indication, Lambert looks to be centering Joakim Kemell (NSH – 17th pick, 2022) and Aleksanteri Kaskimaki (STL – 73rd pick, 2022). Both players should work well with the skill of Lambert, which could help the Finns add some valuable scoring depth.
Lambert’s 2022-23 Season
As he leaves the Moose, Lambert pauses his American Hockey League with a season total of three points in 14 games. The totals aren’t necessarily indicative of his play, as he has yet to establish a consistent stretch of games due to several absences.
At his best, Lambert is an elite talent. His skill is among the best in the WJC, but it remains to be seen if he is able to be a dominant figure at the tournament. In his 2022 tournament appearance, Lambert registered one point in five games and was the subject of some scrutiny from his coach.
What to Expect
This will be the first year that Lambert enters the tournament after playing in a North American system, which should help him settle in a bit more. In his time with Lahti in Finland, that team was very chaotic with very little structure. Perhaps with more structure to his game, he will excel in a tournament with players his age.
If Lambert can shake off the rust and stay healthy, he has a chance to be a real impact player for Finland. The real key for Lambert is how he fits into the Finnish system. If he can utilize his experience from the Jets and Moose, he should be primed for a big tournament.
Winnipeg Jets: Chaz Lucius
Much like Lambert, Lucius is adjusting to his first season in the AHL. Now, he gets the chance to star for a talented USA team that currently has him centering the second line.
It’s been somewhat of a trial-by-fire season for Lucius, who missed a lot of time in his college season for the University of Minnesota. The Moose threw him into a big role early, and he’s run with it. Now, he plays a similar role with the US team and has a chance to be a huge contributor.
Lucius’s 2022-23 Season
Playing the bulk of his time as the second-line center, Lucius has done well to adjust to life in the AHL. That said, his season was interrupted by injuries that saw him sit out every game after November 26.
In his 12 games with the Moose, however, he recorded two goals and five points. While the point totals don’t stand out, his game is coming along and like Lambert, will benefit from an extended stay in the lineup. Once Lucius is healthy and back at full strength, he will be a handful for any team.
What to Expect
Lucius is penciled in as team USA’s second-line center alongside fellow Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty and Carolina Hurricanes fourth-round selection, Jackson Blake. With McGroarty and Blake, Lucius will be well-positioned to become the finisher on the line.
While both linemates do it very differently, they’re both playmakers who are incredibly talented at opening up space for their teammates. Blake is a talented puck-handler and passer who is able to slip passes through tight windows. We’ll talk more about McGroarty on the next slide, as we discover how talented that line can really be.
Winnipeg Jets: Rutger McGroarty
The only Jets prospect not in a professional league, McGroarty should not be overlooked as one of the most exciting players in the Jets system. He’s unique in his playmaking, as he combines his skill with noticeable physicality to establish his presence on the ice.
He’s bound to be given a chance to succeed at the tournament, as he’s already been placed in the team’s top six. As mentioned in the last slide, McGroarty appears to be the linemate of Lucius, which should be must-see TV for Jets fans.
McGroarty’s 2022-23 Season
McGroarty spent his draft season in the US National Development program, which often means the jump to college hockey is on the horizon. That was indeed the case for McGroarty, who committed to the University of Michigan.
In his freshman year with the Wolverines, McGroarty currently sits tied for sixth in NCAA freshman scoring with 19 points in 20 games. That mark also ranks third on the team, behind only projected top-three pick, Adam Fantilli, and Florida Panthers prospect, Mackie Samoskevich.
What to Expect
McGroarty should thrive in a tournament like this, which rewards players for playing smart and using their full skillset to their advantage. In McGroarty’s case, if he can use his forechecking to create turnovers and set up his line, he could be primed for a massive breakout.
With Lucius as the finisher on the line, McGroarty can work as one of the set-up guys to create a powerful top-six that is a force to be reckoned with. He’s someone who is going to give you his all on every shift, and that should be noticed by a coaching staff.
He’s not the flashiest player out there, but his hockey IQ and his effort should provide a dangerous element to an already exciting top-six. This will be a fantastic way for Jets fans to become more familiar with the young American, as many haven’t had the chance to watch his game.
This year’s WJC should be as exciting as ever, especially for Jets fans looking to keep up with some of the young stars in the Jets system. The tournament kicks off on December 26th, with both Lucius and McGroarty suiting up for Team USA. Lambert and Team Finland open their tournament just one day later on the 27th.
Stay tuned to Jets Whiteout throughout the tournament, as we’ll look to give you all the updates and highlights you need to keep up with the three Jets prospects.