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

[surixon]

His usage wasn't that of a player that was going to put up a ton of points. Finland's coaches seemed reluctant to put him out 5 on 5 and he was playing net front/slot on PP2 on a team that didn't seem like they even wanted to put the puck to the middle of the ice. Their coaching was far too risk averse for such a short tournament in my opinion.

And not to make too many excuses because I thought his play away from the puck left a lot to be desired as well. There were times where his greed for the puck had him getting into his teammates lanes and disrupting Finland's transition game. Just generally trying too hard to be everywhere and doing everything himself and causing completely unnecessary chaos.
It's horribly cliché but I think he just needs to simplify his game and let other guys create offense and carry the puck too. He should be using his best asset in his skating to create space for other guys on the ice like Ehlers does when he doesn't have the puck.

I agree with a lot of this. What he needs to do is build a simplified base for his game. What I see is a player who excels through the nz when they get the puck in flight. I see a player that when he's dialed in can get in hard on the forecheck and win pucks. I think he needs to get his lanes and off the puck positioning down. If he does that and gets good at transition and retrieval then that is a good base that he can provide a foundation for the rest of his skills to expand from.

He isn't a smart enough offensive player that he's going to get a lot of "easy" points from being in the right place at the right time. So he's going to have to build a game based on work rate and taking what's given.

 

[Jukurit]

His usage wasn't that of a player that was going to put up a ton of points.

Lambert started the first pre-tournament game against USA as a center with Kemell on his wing. Didn't do much and got switched back to wing. Then played with Kapanen and Koivunen on first line next two games. Didn't do much and got demoted. Lambert didn't put up points because he didn't play good enough.

 

[DRW204]

1 pt in the WJ’s only.

I know it’s early, but he has bust written all over him. He should’ve been killin it.

he hasn't really been killing it any where it seems. 2 goals/3 pts in 14 gp in ahl, didn't do anything in summer WJ's, and his pre-draft production profile doesn't really project him as a star. this is just box-score scouting though. those who followed him in Europe are probably pretty unsurprised by his lack of production based on some of their comments when he was selected.

 

[Slimy Sculpin]

Lambert started the first pre-tournament game against USA as a center with Kemell on his wing. Didn't do much and got switched back to wing. Then played with Kapanen and Koivunen on first line next two games. Didn't do much and got demoted. Lambert didn't put up points because he didn't play good enough.

I have to agree. I only watched two of the Finland games but from my vantage point, for a first round pick, he did mot play well.

 

[snowkiddin]

Lambert started the first pre-tournament game against USA as a center with Kemell on his wing. Didn't do much and got switched back to wing. Then played with Kapanen and Koivunen on first line next two games. Didn't do much and got demoted. Lambert didn't put up points because he didn't play good enough.

I don’t know, it’s not like he got a ton of ice-time in the tournament:

14:36 against Switzerland
12:23 against Slovakia
12:18 against Latvia
13:37 against USA
12:18 against Sweden

Not exactly first line minutes.

Unfortunately, couldn’t find a box score for either of the pre-tournament games.

 

[brakeyawself]

He's looked like one of the better players of his age now that he's playing where he should be. If he had a full season in the WHL, he'd probably contend for a scoring title. Well, in normal years, when there's no Bedard.

 

[BerthMania]

Lambert just scored a beautiful goal in the WHL final, he's so fast! One of the best junior skaters I've seen

 

[Jets4Life]

Lambert is melting the ICE.

 

[nobody imp0rtant]

Lambert is melting the ICE.

Nah, tis the season. I just expect Ice to melt by this time of year.

 

[10Ducky10]

Scoring every bit as well as Guenther and he was drafted a year earlier than Lambert and was taken 7th overall.
That Copp trade gets better and better.

 

[Whileee]

Scoring every bit as well as Guenther and he was drafted a year earlier than Lambert and was taken 7th overall.
That Copp trade gets better and better.

I think Guenther was #9 overall, but you make a good point.

I've now watched over a dozen games with those two in the Seattle line-up and Lambert has looked more skilled and with a higher ceiling. I do think Lambert needs more development though, to gain strength and to consistently make good decisions.

 

[surixon]

I think Guenther was #9 overall, but you make a good point.

I've now watched over a dozen games with those two in the Seattle line-up and Lambert has looked more skilled and with a higher ceiling. I do think Lambert needs more development though, to gain strength and to consistently make good decisions.

He's showing why he was rated as a possible top 3 pick. The skill is there as is the confidence now. His decision making and lines are much better then they were at the start of the year. But I agree that we are still going to need to be patient with him. I think he needs a year in the AHL to learn how to transfer his game against pro talent. If he does well then give him some NHL games the back half of next season.

 

[Whileee]

He's showing why he was rated as a possible top 3 pick. The skill is there as is the confidence now. His decision making and lines are much better then they were at the start of the year. But I agree that we are still going to need to be patient with him. I think he needs a year in the AHL to learn how to transfer his game against pro talent. If he does well then give him some NHL games the back half of next season.

Agree. At this point his ceiling really is limited by how hard he'll work to be a top player. If he is really committed to get stronger, to refine details of his game, and to play hard consistently, he can be top-end NHLer. His skills are outstanding, and concerns about his vision and hockey sense have been allayed. Sky's the limit for him.

 

[surixon]

Agree. At this point his ceiling really is limited by how hard he'll work to be a top player. If he is really committed to get stronger, to refine details of his game, and to play hard consistently, he can be top-end NHLer. His skills are outstanding, and concerns about his vision and hockey sense have been allayed. Sky's the limit for him.

He's the only forward other then Cole that I see as having top line upside. Hopefully he's committed to getting there as we are going to need both him and Cole to hit if we want the next wave to be successful.

 

[superdeluxe]

Nah, tis the season. I just expect Ice to melt by this time of year.

As an aside, it is unseasonably warm (Highs were in the 80s on Tuesday and Wednesday). I was worried that a warmed up ice would impact Brad, But it hasn't from I've seen.

Also I was pleasently suprised how Brad looks in other areas of the game. On the boards, checking. Really rounding out to be a complete player.

 

[mattihp]

As an aside, it is unseasonably warm (Highs were in the 80s on Tuesday and Wednesday). I was worried that a warmed up ice would impact Brad, But it hasn't from I've seen.

Also I was pleasently suprised how Brad looks in other areas of the game. On the boards, checking. Really rounding out to be a complete player.

It's easier to look like that against kids. Against seasoned players his skills are still.. Good. But decision making gets much, much harder. Hopefully he'll pan out.

 

[RabidOne]

It's easier to look like that against kids. Against seasoned players his skills are still.. Good. But decision making gets much, much harder. Hopefully he'll pan out.

You mean against his peers? Instead of a boy playing against men?

 

[superdeluxe]

It's easier to look like that against kids. Against seasoned players his skills are still.. Good. But decision making gets much, much harder. Hopefully he'll pan out.

I mean he is playing against his peers/age group? Not sure what you mean.

 

[Whileee]

It's easier to look like that against kids. Against seasoned players his skills are still.. Good. But decision making gets much, much harder. Hopefully he'll pan out.

I'd say that his stint in the WHL has countered many of the perspectives I had read about his lack of hockey IQ, vision, and willingness to use teammates. In his games with Seattle that I've seen (over a dozen, now), he's shown a strong willingness and capability to make quick passes to generate transition when he's cut off, while also choosing the right times to use his speed and puck handling to attack opponents. He's been effective in a core role in managing the PP, creating space, finding teammates with passes, and shooting when the opportunity opens up.

He lacks size and strength, but he hasn't been shy about engaging physically.

I'd say that his main areas for improvement to play at the pro level are strength and perhaps playing a bit more simple game.

I think that if he plays with skilled players that complement his style, he has legitimate top-6 NHL potential. It really just depends on maintaining a good attitude and very strong work ethic.

 

[surixon]

I'd say that his stint in the WHL has countered many of the perspectives I had read about his lack of hockey IQ, vision, and willingness to use teammates. In his games with Seattle that I've seen (over a dozen, now), he's shown a strong willingness and capability to make quick passes to generate transition when he's cut off, while also choosing the right times to use his speed and puck handling to attack opponents. He's been effective in a core role in managing the PP, creating space, finding teammates with passes, and shooting when the opportunity opens up.

He lacks size and strength, but he hasn't been shy about engaging physically.

I'd say that his main areas for improvement to play at the pro level are strength and perhaps playing a bit more simple game.

I think that if he plays with skilled players that complement his style, he has legitimate top-6 NHL potential. It really just depends on maintaining a good attitude and very strong work ethic.

He looked real good with Perfetti in rookie camp and last preseason so there is a potential long term fit with those two players.

Now that he's regained his confidence I'm real excited to see how he does on the Moose next year.

 

[FlappyGiraffe]

I hope we keep him at C next year if he's with the moose. He has potential to be our 1C in a couple years if he keeps on this trajectory

 

[LowLefty]

I'd say that his stint in the WHL has countered many of the perspectives I had read about his lack of hockey IQ, vision, and willingness to use teammates. In his games with Seattle that I've seen (over a dozen, now), he's shown a strong willingness and capability to make quick passes to generate transition when he's cut off, while also choosing the right times to use his speed and puck handling to attack opponents. He's been effective in a core role in managing the PP, creating space, finding teammates with passes, and shooting when the opportunity opens up.

He lacks size and strength, but he hasn't been shy about engaging physically.

I'd say that his main areas for improvement to play at the pro level are strength and perhaps playing a bit more simple game.

I think that if he plays with skilled players that complement his style, he has legitimate top-6 NHL potential. It really just depends on maintaining a good attitude and very strong work ethic.

Thanks for the insight -
I'm excited about this player - I love speed in the game and was hoping this guy would come around. Sounds like he is losing some of that tunnel vision that used to be a problem - and that was the part I was concerned about.

You mention him maybe needing to play with players that complement his style - what Kind of player do you think that is?
Other speedy guys? playmakers? guys that can dig out pucks? shooters? guys that work well off the rush? all the above?

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

It's easier to look like that against kids. Against seasoned players his skills are still.. Good. But decision making gets much, much harder. Hopefully he'll pan out.

You mean against his peers? Instead of a boy playing against men?

He is performing very well compared to other players in the CHL drafted well above him. That is really all we can compare him to at this point.

I think it is pretty clear now that he was thrown into men's leagues too early. I expect he will do much better next time after this season's experience. I think it is a good sign that he is continuing to excel in the PO against tougher competition.

 

[superdeluxe]

I'd say that his stint in the WHL has countered many of the perspectives I had read about his lack of hockey IQ, vision, and willingness to use teammates. In his games with Seattle that I've seen (over a dozen, now), he's shown a strong willingness and capability to make quick passes to generate transition when he's cut off, while also choosing the right times to use his speed and puck handling to attack opponents. He's been effective in a core role in managing the PP, creating space, finding teammates with passes, and shooting when the opportunity opens up.

He lacks size and strength, but he hasn't been shy about engaging physically.

I'd say that his main areas for improvement to play at the pro level are strength and perhaps playing a bit more simple game.

I think that if he plays with skilled players that complement his style, he has legitimate top-6 NHL potential. It really just depends on maintaining a good attitude and very strong work ethic.

This!. Look at his Goal to Assist Ratio in the playoffs. I want to say its 6 goals and like 20 assists

 

[superdeluxe]

Thanks for the insight -
I'm excited about this player - I love speed in the game and was hoping this guy would come around. Sounds like he is losing some of that tunnel vision that used to be a problem - and that was the part I was concerned about.

You mention him maybe needing to play with players that complement his style - what Kind of player do you think that is?
Other speedy guys? playmakers? guys that can dig out pucks? shooters? guys that work well off the rush? all the above?

Find your Dylan Guenther on the team and go with there. They play so well off each other. I'll let the more hockey knowledgeable folks weigh in. Our top line has a Big Body Power Forward that likes to mix it up a bit and has an amazing ability to pass it. on the other side you have Dylan Guenther who is much smaller stature, but who is a dynamic shooter/winger, who can also pass well.