I'd suggest it was something talked about, depending on Trotz's headspace with respect to making a decision. I will get to that in a second.
With Brad Lambert it seems as though the Pelicans either did not know how to develop him in areas of deficiency, did not recognize there areas need for improvement and failed him, and/or just had poor coaching overall. The video of his analytics before and after the trade tells a story of a player who went to a team that misused him (played him on the wing instead of centre), ran a very strange system (straight-line breakouts), and had an underwhelming crop of players around him. The team seems directionless and combined with Brad's father apparently interjecting creates a recipe for disaster for a young player. No wonder he struggled but you can tell he is just a straight up elite player.
The Jets are very good model of draft and develop, A number of players in-house have progressed through the current system and done well in their roles. The organization takes the time to develop each player in areas that will make them successful; this is quite literally the exact attention that a player like Lambert needs. So this particular relationship has the potential to be something special.
Concurrent to the Draft, the Jets are coming off a very big blow in Trotz's opting to take time to be with family. Winnipeg appeared to be the last team in the mix but Trotz's decided for a some time away. By all accounts TNSE appeared to be open to Trotz's alleged desire for a more managerial role. Some stability in his home province is enticing and clearly a factor; he had interest from numerous teams and walked away from some pretty big money. Jets hire Bowness on a pseudo-bridge deal; 2 year deal on a guy who has some very specific off-ice objectives in addressing the some of the cultural issues.
So the way I see it is Trotz lands in one of these three areas:
1) He has informed the Jets there is zero possibility of him coming here now or down the road. If this is the case then the Lambert selection is a straight draft and develop case. This is the org's bread and butter and Lambert is walking into a situation where healthy focus will be on his game.
2) Trotz informed the team that he needs time to think about it. The Jets draft Lambert but also see a dual benefit. He happens to be the nephew of his long time protege in Lane Lambert. A guy who he has worked with for over 10 years on three different teams so the bond that they share holds substance. So Trotz would be very familiar with Brad and would appreciate the familial connection; and quite obviously Trotz puts much consideration to family. If Trotz is unsure on his next steps he would appreciate the Jets selecting Brad given the team's history and pedigree in taking the time to develop young players. Especially with so many teams passing and uneasy on what they might consider a reclamation. If I am Trotz I would appreciate that my long time friend's nephew has landed with an organization that is going to do by right with him. I would also like the opportunity to try help my friend's nephew find his way again. This matters and relationships matter, and may very well be a healthy factor into Trotz's ultimate decision. I have no doubt that Chevy and Co. saw that is Trotz is still on the fence.
3) Trotz has signalled he intends to go to Winnipeg in some manner, at some time but not right now. This might be a consideration because for a long while there were numerous vacancies being held up, apparently by Trotz and where he would land. Then all of a sudden every other team starts hiring as if coaches went on sale. Jets were last one standing (mostly) so it signals to me that the rest of the league immediately moved on. Except Winnipeg. So may be a case where the 2 year deal with Bowness is a stop gap for Trotz. With Winnipeg taking Brad Lambert it will help that young player as he will be eventually be playing under his Uncle's mentor. All he would have to do is ask his uncle what he is in for and I suspect Lane will have nothing but good things to say and bridge the gap. Relationships matter.
I suspect Trotz falls into either category 2 or 3, in which case drafting Brad Lambert has benefits everyone. As I mentioned, the Jets have every confidence in the world on their draft and develop system so taking in Brad Lambert is less of a risk. The organization has a track record of taking the time and energy to address the needs of each player, and being fairly successful in doing so. So the risk/reward favours the organization on that front. And if Trotz is on the fence, this is a smart and subtle move that really has low risk attached to it on that front.
