Prospect Info: Brad Lambert, 30th Overall, 2022 NHL Draft

[nobody imp0rtant]

I'd say his best spot is Seattle. Should be easier competition than the Moose face. Get his points and confidence back.

Oh hell, if that's all we want let's keep him here to go one-on-horde against an entire Tim Bits Hockey team. He'll crush them! Bwa-ha ha!

Playing against juniors won't make him better. From what I've read, Liiga is seen as a better league than the AHL. Playing with the Moose should be enough of a step down to ease him into NA pro hockey without overwhelming him.

 

[GaryPoppins]

Oh hell, if that's all we want let's keep him here to go one-on-horde against an entire Tim Bits Hockey team. He'll crush them! Bwa-ha ha!

Playing against juniors won't make him better. From what I've read, Liiga is seen as a better league than the AHL. Playing with the Moose should be enough of a step down to ease him into NA pro hockey without overwhelming him.

It would definitely allow them to keep an eye on him.. Lucius and Lambert on the farm club would be fun to watch

 

[boydkc]

To get back on track here, I think Lambert just needs linemates who can skate with him, and get a zone exit or two.

The way Finland is deploying him does not suit his game at all. He is an offensive weapon and every time I watch, he's put out for defensive zone draws and his line is stuck there for most of their shift.

You are exactly on the same page as I am. This kid needs to be a jet this season playing with "like" top six players. He is a true sniper put him with Ehlers and Dubois and the first power play and he could be a huge surprise. I say Heinola and Lambert given full opportunity to be stars is the way to go.

Well likewise, I think you are plain wrong, and as I already said, he has been having already the 2nd or 3rd fastest skater skating with him a lot so far. Seems that you are one of those who admire his skating over everything and are mistaken that great skating covers for poor hockey IQ and weak vision. Unfortunately it isn’t so.

sure just turn a stud offensive sniper into a grinding fourth liner is the way to go...

 

[boydkc]

Last time I saw Pulju play in Liiga, he just seemed to get easily frustrated when things weren't going his way. Lambert reminds me of that currently. Both Lambert and Pulju just seem a bit "immature" to me in how they play and act.

Lambert and Puljujärvi do have some similarities between them. Both are very athetically gifted fast players with poor hockey IQ. Pulju of course is bigger and better 2-way player, but Lambert is more skilled. Both had a lot of hype and were dominant players until certain point they weren't. Pulju had insane junior stats, but against men it has been quieter. Similarly Lambert put up points until he reached Liiga. I think the problem with both of these players is that they rely on their athletic ability too much. Pulju was always a big fast kid, so at lower levels he could just dominate with that combo. Lambert has always been a great skater and he has relied on that skating ability a lot. Now Lambert has reached a point where he can't just skate around the opposition like he used to and it seems like he has trouble adapting to that.

I think just like with Puljujärvi, Lambert's upside as a NHL player is limited. He can be an NHL player, but 3rd line winger is the likeliest outcome (IMO).

if he is a third line player he will not be in the NHL or North America, he is a top six talent that just needs a coach who understands how to use his dynamic skills.

 

[boydkc]

13:23 TOI vs LAT
15:40 TOI vs CZE
8:50 TOI vs SVK
12:45 TOI vs CAN
11:23 TOI vs GER

5 hockey games playing 3rd line minutes with linemates that weren't exactly world beaters. Sure it'd have been nice to see him work his way up the lineup and stand out, but he was literally drafted a month and a half ago as a project that needed some expert guidance to get back on track. Is anyone really that surprised that he didn't somehow flip a switch in the middle of the off season and suddenly become a polished high level prospect?

I'm kind of over it. He's got a long way to go, a short tournament a month after the NHL draft wasn't going to change that.

straight up shitty defensive minded boring coaching. The kid is a stud talent.

Where do I start?!?

Obviously, something is not right between Brad Lambert and the gatekeepers running Finland's National Programs. Perhaps egos (both ways), meddling parents, entitlement, who really knows? What I do know is this tournament was a great big *F U* to Lambert by the coach.

How does a kid get selected to the U20 team as a 16 year old in his DRAFT -2 season and somehow get less ice time and opportunity two years later?

Two years ago, Brad Lambert not only made the U20 team, but was given a regular shift with offensive teammates AND GIVEN POWER PLAY TIME. He scored a respectable 4 pts that tournament which is damn impressive for a 16 year old playing against the best 19 year olds in the world.

In the Covid Cancelled 2021 WJHC, Lambert had 5 points in 2 games (tied for 2nd in tournament), had 11 shots on goal (5.5 per game) and was listed by most scouts as the most impressive player in the tournament. He was nothing short of domimant.

THAT WAS ONLY 8 MONTHS AGO.

In the two preliminary games vs Switzerland and Slovakia (ONLY THREE WEEKS AGO), Finish media had reports of Lambert looking like the best player on the ice + he scored a crazy goal that was posted on this thread. AGAIN, THIS IS ONLY A FEW WEEKS AGO.

Then the WJHC starts and somehow Lambert is on the third line and PP2. He scores a Power Play goal in game 1 and gets 13 mins of ice time. Desipite scoring a Power Play goal, he's OFF the Power Play completely for Game 2 and is relegated to the 4th line. He remains on the 4th line for games 3, 4 and 5 before ultimately being a healthy scratch.

Lassi Alanen (great follow on Twitter) is head scout for Elite Prospects Finland and tracks Finland's U20 microstats. Despite Lambert's low ice time for Games 1 / 2 he led the team in 'Controlled Zone Entries' and 'Shot Assists' (a pass that leads to a shot on goal). DOESN'T MATTER. Lambert is now stapled to 4th line (and then healthy scratched).

Does this make sense to ANYONE?!?

My theory: Lambert burnt bridges in Finland over the past few seasons by jumping from team to team. He publicly hinted that he'd join Seattle in the WHL (EXTREMELY RARE FOR FINISH PROSPECTS TO LEAVE LIIGA). To me, this was personal between Finland and Lambert. They saddled him with dump and chase players, gave him no PP time, and ulitmately healthy scratched him in the most important games. This was a tactical public shaming and a great big *F U Brad Lambert, don't let the door hit you on the way out*. Mike Babcock would have been proud.

like I said shitty bullshit coaching this kid is a stud put him with "like " players and he will succeed.

 

[tbcwpg]

if he is a third line player he will not be in the NHL or North America, he is a top six talent that just needs a coach who understands how to use his dynamic skills.

He also needs to realize that he doesn't deserve that yet and he'll have to put in the effort. I'm not suggesting starting him in the bottom 6 or anything but hopefully he doesn't have the attitude that everything will revolve around him.

 

[boydkc]

It's incredible that you don't know the difference between Lambert playing in a pro league and Ehlers playing in the OHL.

QMJHL but still junior.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

If he signs a contract he likely ends up with the Moose but I think they want him in Seattle this year

If he doesn't sign a contract - what then? Finland.

He can sign and still play in Seattle.
I don't understand why he isn't signed yet. Why would he even attend TC unsigned?

 

[surixon]

If he doesn't sign a contract - what then? Finland.

He can sign and still play in Seattle.
I don't understand why he isn't signed yet. Why would he even attend TC unsigned?

Most prospects attend TC unsigned. This isn't anything new here.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

Most prospects attend TC unsigned. This isn't anything new here.

OK, sure. But it is strange for a 1st rd pick who is not going to NCAA to still be unsigned at this point.

Signed or not has no effect on where he can play next year except eliminating the possibility of playing NCAA. In his case, that possibility is already gone since he has already played pro the last 3 seasons.

 

[MardyBum]

OK, sure. But it is strange for a 1st rd pick who is not going to NCAA to still be unsigned at this point.

Signed or not has no effect on where he can play next year except eliminating the possibility of playing NCAA. In his case, that possibility is already gone since he has already played pro the last 3 seasons.

Bichel, Bystedt and Lekkerimaki are all unsigned as well.

2026 is right around the corner, the Jets are running out of time

 

[Jet]

You are exactly on the same page as I am. This kid needs to be a jet this season playing with "like" top six players. He is a true sniper put him with Ehlers and Dubois and the first power play and he could be a huge surprise. I say Heinola and Lambert given full opportunity to be stars is the way to go.


sure just turn a stud offensive sniper into a grinding fourth liner is the way to go...

Lambert playing on the Jets this year is the worst thing we could do, even below letting him stay in Finland. He has to learn a whole new skillset, And you don't learn that at the highest level of hockey.

 

[Atoyot]

Has anyone mentioned how strange it is that despite all the talks about his attitude problems, he was an assistant captain on the Pelicans for much of his time there?

EDIT: Potentially an error on the app.

 

[Nickel eye Heel hers]

I really hope he spends a year in Seattle and plays with his own age group. There isn't any harm in it. The year after he can make the Moose team if he's ready.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

Bichel, Bystedt and Lekkerimaki are all unsigned as well.

2026 is right around the corner, the Jets are running out of time

I still ask why not?
There doesn't have to be any particular rush. But most 1st rd picks are signed by now. I couldn't remember whether they usually signed before attending TC or not. The NCAA players don't sign and don't attend camp.

At least they get paid if they get hurt in TC - if they are signed.

In Lambert's case it might affect whether or not he follows through on his promise to go wherever Jets want him to go. We'll see.

Has anyone mentioned how strange it is that despite all the talks about his attitude problems, he was an assistant captain on the Pelicans for much of his time there?

I was not aware of that - but good point. Maybe the attitude thing is just all about his father.

 

[superdeluxe]

Was at the Thunderbirds final camp game/scrimmage.

This team has a ton of offensive weapons, Even the young guys like Sawchyn and Iginila are gonna press for time this year. Lambert won’t have to be the man in Seattle, allowing him to find his fit and work out his issues.

 

[Howard Chuck]

You are exactly on the same page as I am. This kid needs to be a jet this season playing with "like" top six players. He is a true sniper put him with Ehlers and Dubois and the first power play and he could be a huge surprise. I say Heinola and Lambert given full opportunity to be stars is the way to go.


sure just turn a stud offensive sniper into a grinding fourth liner is the way to go...

Worked with Laine

 

[tbcwpg]

You are exactly on the same page as I am. This kid needs to be a jet this season playing with "like" top six players. He is a true sniper put him with Ehlers and Dubois and the first power play and he could be a huge surprise. I say Heinola and Lambert given full opportunity to be stars is the way to go.


sure just turn a stud offensive sniper into a grinding fourth liner is the way to go...

Lambert is nowhere near ready to play for the Jets this season.

 

[larmex99]

Lambert is nowhere near ready to play for the Jets this season.

Agree. The Jets are known for giving young prospects the time they need to mature. If anything they seem to be ok with a bit of over-ripening of their prospects to make sure they are ready for the next step. I think the question will be whether BL is going to be part of the Jets plan or is going to make his own plan. This will be the biggest decision of his career, imo.

 

[NotCommitted]

Has anyone mentioned how strange it is that despite all the talks about his attitude problems, he was an assistant captain on the Pelicans for much of his time there?

Mikko Koivu for one commended Brad on his great attitude and work ethic and he does seem like a good kid based on the little I've seen of him.

I think the potential "dad issue" will naturally sort itself out as the player reaches adulthood, besides I have a hunch daddy Lambert might have been acting arrogant and entitled (for his son) with Finnish teams and hockey, but wouldn't try to pull that crap in NA anyway, especially now that Brad is drafted. Just a gut feeling, nothing to back that up. Might be he's just a crazy hockey dad no matter which way you look at it.

---

Completely unrelated to the quoted post, but as for the WJC discussion that's already in the past, the Finnish coach, about whom you can have different opinions, was trying to win hockey games in a short tournament and wasn't seeing what he would've liked to see from Brad. Taking into account the Finnish team played their best games without (misutilized) Lambert, maybe the coach was right? A tournament like that is not really a place where you try to get a players confidence going if he's lacking it. There's always room for what-ifs, like maybe Brad taking flight if he got more opportunity early on, but they played in the gold medal game and only lost the game on 3v3 OT, so unless your only concern is how Brad Lambert is doing, it's difficult to justify throwing much crap on the coaches way.

 

[Fintastic]

Has anyone mentioned how strange it is that despite all the talks about his attitude problems, he was an assistant captain on the Pelicans for much of his time there?

This is the first time I've heard this. Where did you find this information? I have tried to find something about that over the internet but I was unable to find anything.

 

[GaryPoppins]

Mikko Koivu for one commended Brad on his great attitude and work ethic and he does seem like a good kid based on the little I've seen of him.

I think the potential "dad issue" will naturally sort itself out as the player reaches adulthood, besides I have a hunch daddy Lambert might have been acting arrogant and entitled (for his son) with Finnish teams and hockey, but wouldn't try to pull that crap in NA anyway, especially now that Brad is drafted. Just a gut feeling, nothing to back that up. Might be he's just a crazy hockey dad no matter which way you look at it.

---

Completely unrelated to the quoted post, but as for the WJC discussion that's already in the past, the Finnish coach, about whom you can have different opinions, was trying to win hockey games in a short tournament and wasn't seeing what he would've liked to see from Brad. Taking into account the Finnish team played their best games without (misutilized) Lambert, maybe the coach was right? A tournament like that is not really a place where you try to get a players confidence going if he's lacking it. There's always room for what-ifs, like maybe Brad taking flight if he got more opportunity early on, but they played in the gold medal game and only lost the game on 3v3 OT, so unless your only concern is how Brad Lambert is doing, it's difficult to justify throwing much crap on the coaches way.

Crazy hockey dads can be toxic. Ryan Hartman apparently has some baggage on the family side. The issue with that is a child seeing the actions of their parents through their eyes can be skewed and seen differently vs how it actually plays out and results in similar actions often being carried out by player.

 

[Atoyot]

This is the first time I've heard this. Where did you find this information? I have tried to find something about that over the internet but I was unable to find anything.

Hmm, he's listed on the app I use for overseas stats in many games but thinking about it now it has had some inaccuracies in the past. So yeah, unless somebody can find some other confirmation it's entirely possible that it's wrong.

 

[Fintastic]

Hmm, he's listed on the app I use for overseas stats in many games but thinking about it now it has had some inaccuracies in the past. So yeah, unless somebody can find some other confirmation it's entirely possible that it's wrong.

I am 99% certain the app has wrong information. I have not seen him listed anywhere as assistant captain nor have I seen pictures of him wearing an A on his shirt.

 

[JetsFan815]

Still odd he hasn't been signed, maybe they are not signing him yet to give him some extra motivation?