Winnipeg Jets prospect Brad Lambert is a player the organization still has hopes for. While he has struggled at the NHL level, he still has the skill set to be a top-six player on the main roster. However, is his time to make an impact coming to an end? Does he still have time to prove he belongs in the NHL?
Lambert has the tools to earn a permanent roster spot
Lambert was drafted in the first round (#30) by the Jets in 2022 after successful seasons in Finland. He quickly made a name for himself in North America, playing for the Seattle Thunderbirds and Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
The 6-foot-1 and 173-pound center from Lahti, Finland began to showcase his skill with Seattle after a trade from Saskatoon, scoring 17 goals and 21 assists for 38 points in 26 games, his only WHL season.
The Seattle Thunderbirds acquired Lambert's WHL rights from Saskatoon in exchange for draft picks. He then made his pro debut with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League (AHL) and got the attention of the organization. He went on to produce 36 goals and 70 assists for 106 points in 173 games. He was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team and was also named an AHL All-Star.
Why the Jets believed Brad Lambert could become a top six forward
While he has yet to stick full-time, Lambert does have the skills to play a meaningful role for Winnipeg. After recording an assist in his NHL debut against the Vancouver Canucks, he went on to score three goals and four assists for seven points in 30 games. Not the production Lambert or the Jets were hoping for. I
f Lambert has a strong training camp there is a possibility for him to grab a full-time spot next season. Forward Jonathan Toews is an unrestricted free agent and if he does not re-sign than that could be an open door for Lambert. Although still not a guarantee he does have competition at the center spot with Mark Sceifele, Adam Lowry, Toews, Morgan Barron, and Brayden Yager.
He could make the move to wing in a move that could be beneficiary to both him and the team. There is also a possibility of him being moved. He did make a trade request in late 2025 but rescinded it. He is under contract until the end of 2026-27 so Lambert and agent Richard Currant have some time to think about the future.
Lambert is a pass-first player with elite speed and plays with a high tempo. He is still young and that could benefit him in many ways. He could be the center of the future with the Jets, who are trying to be Stanley Cup contenders every season.
On the other hand, if they want to move him there are plenty of teams looking for a young center with offensive upside. Teams that could be interested in trading for him include the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Lambert, whose uncle is Lane Lambert, coach of the Seattle Kraken, has his sights set on the 2026 Calder Cup playoffs with Manitoba. The Moose begin their quest for the cup against the Grand Rapids Griffins in round one. He is a player to watch and he could set the tone heading into next season.
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