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

[Jet]

Vesalainen can handle a puck and is a decent passer. Not assertive and his style is not for the NHL. Kupari is far behind skill wise

I disagree. What I saw from both of them in the NHL Kupari has much better puck handling, agility and speed. Vesalainen is the better passer and shooter (though he could never get his shot through, rendering it useless).

Neither one is aggressive enough, though I saw Kupari at least try to be physical - it was like Vesalainen was made out of glass or something.

 

[Whileee]

I disagree. What I saw from both of them in the NHL Kupari has much better puck handling, agility and speed. Vesalainen is the better passer and shooter (though he could never get his shot through, rendering it useless).

Neither one is aggressive enough, though I saw Kupari at least try to be physical - it was like Vesalainen was made out of glass or something.

Agree. I see more upside for Kupari, especially in Arniel's high pressure system that relies on speed on the forecheck and back check.

 

[voyageur]

Agree. I see more upside for Kupari, especially in Arniel's high pressure system that relies on speed on the forecheck and back check.

I think the thing with Scott Arniel is everyone is going to have a role...I don't know where Kupari fits in honestly...He wasn't good on the draw. He wasn't good on the PK...David Gustafsson was better than him at both those things, and I think with Monahan gone, there is at least a chance that Gustafsson will take more draws, including some key defensive zone ones.

I think you can list the PKers on the team as Lowry and Barron for the top unit...Iafallo was the guy who moved up into Barron's spot in the playoffs, and did fine, that unit didn't get scored on the way Monahan's unit did. Samberg and De Melo are probably your top d pairing on the PK. After that it's tricky. Gustafsson has potential to be an impact PKer, he's generally pretty good in that role...Namestnikov and Appleton round it out...The fact Namestnikov is so bad on the draw gives Gustafsson an edge if you need that guy to win a big d-zone draw. The 2nd d pairing on the PK is the one I think gets a complete overhaul...Could be Stanley-Miller but who knows maybe Heinola is a better PP QB than Pionk, so for me that would be Pionk's spot in that case, leaving MIller out.

For me Kupari would have to show something he didn't last year...He seems capable of more, but maybe he isn't happy here, don't know what the story is and won't speculate.

PP guys, I don't know what the PP setup is going to look like but certainly there is room for somebody to move up...Perfetti has a decent chance I think of being on PP1 to start the season, but again maybe the alignment completely changes, though I think Vilardi is pretty safe being around the net.

I really like the idea of Brad Lambert getting on the 2nd PP opposite Ehlers, if Heinola is on that PP that's some good puck movement from the top...NIno in front of the net. Then it's Namestnikov or Pionk to finish out the group. Pionk on the PP would change where Lambert plays, likely closer to the net, unless of course Heinola doesn't earn a starting role.

I think there's a whole lot of uncertainty with multiple players, but you never know what a player is going to bring to the table in any given season, what injuries they may battle, so it's going to be an interesting TC.

 

[Whileee]

Just a reminder that Lambert had some supporters in the prospect / draft world. Elite Prospects had him ranked at #14. Wheeler ranked him #8. I think Scouch had him at around #5. Overall, McKenzie's survey of scouts ranked him at #16 and the Elite Prospects consensus ranking had him at #14.

So, he seemed to drop a bit on the draft floor even after dropping on most lists through the season. Jets were fortunate and astute to pick him up at #30.

(Salomonsson is another player that dropped during that season, and he looks like a really nice value pick at #55).

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

I think Kupari is being a bit underrated here. He lacks refinement because he was rushed to the NHL, but he has great wheels, plays an aggressive game, and doesn't mind looking to make plays with the puck. He might be able to carve out a role like Appleton, who didn't really make a dent at the NHL level until he was 24 (Kupari's age going into next season).

Sure - but something is missing.

 

[Flair Hay]

I think the thing with Scott Arniel is everyone is going to have a role...I don't know where Kupari fits in honestly...He wasn't good on the draw. He wasn't good on the PK...David Gustafsson was better than him at both those things, and I think with Monahan gone, there is at least a chance that Gustafsson will take more draws, including some key defensive zone ones.

I think you can list the PKers on the team as Lowry and Barron for the top unit...Iafallo was the guy who moved up into Barron's spot in the playoffs, and did fine, that unit didn't get scored on the way Monahan's unit did. Samberg and De Melo are probably your top d pairing on the PK. After that it's tricky. Gustafsson has potential to be an impact PKer, he's generally pretty good in that role...Namestnikov and Appleton round it out...The fact Namestnikov is so bad on the draw gives Gustafsson an edge if you need that guy to win a big d-zone draw. The 2nd d pairing on the PK is the one I think gets a complete overhaul...Could be Stanley-Miller but who knows maybe Heinola is a better PP QB than Pionk, so for me that would be Pionk's spot in that case, leaving MIller out.

For me Kupari would have to show something he didn't last year...He seems capable of more, but maybe he isn't happy here, don't know what the story is and won't speculate.

PP guys, I don't know what the PP setup is going to look like but certainly there is room for somebody to move up...Perfetti has a decent chance I think of being on PP1 to start the season, but again maybe the alignment completely changes, though I think Vilardi is pretty safe being around the net.

I really like the idea of Brad Lambert getting on the 2nd PP opposite Ehlers, if Heinola is on that PP that's some good puck movement from the top...NIno in front of the net. Then it's Namestnikov or Pionk to finish out the group. Pionk on the PP would change where Lambert plays, likely closer to the net, unless of course Heinola doesn't earn a starting role.

I think there's a whole lot of uncertainty with multiple players, but you never know what a player is going to bring to the table in any given season, what injuries they may battle, so it's going to be an interesting TC.

The way you put this is pretty smart actually.

My main takeaway from reading this is actually not about the forwards at all.

If Ville is going to play over Stan, Morrissey is likely going to need to play on the PK more.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

Just a reminder that Lambert had some supporters in the prospect / draft world. Elite Prospects had him ranked at #14. Wheeler ranked him #8. I think Scouch had him at around #5. Overall, McKenzie's survey of scouts ranked him at #16 and the Elite Prospects consensus ranking had him at #14.

So, he seemed to drop a bit on the draft floor even after dropping on most lists through the season. Jets were fortunate and astute to pick him up at #30.

(Salomonsson is another player that dropped during that season, and he looks like a really nice value pick at #55).

Sometimes those fallers are bargain picks. Other times they are bargain basement junk. You've got to be careful with them.

2 good picks by Jets though.

 

[drumzan]

Just a reminder that Lambert had some supporters in the prospect / draft world. Elite Prospects had him ranked at #14. Wheeler ranked him #8. I think Scouch had him at around #5. Overall, McKenzie's survey of scouts ranked him at #16 and the Elite Prospects consensus ranking had him at #14.

So, he seemed to drop a bit on the draft floor even after dropping on most lists through the season. Jets were fortunate and astute to pick him up at #30.

(Salomonsson is another player that dropped during that season, and he looks like a really nice value pick at #55).

McKenzie had Lambert at #3 (!!!) in his 2022 draft pre-season rankings.

Edit: Also worth noting in McKenzie’s 2022 pre-season rankings…
3. Lambert
12. McGroarty
14. Salomonsson
Zhilkin mentioned as one of four honorable mentions after 16… so you could consider him top 20.

 

[Whileee]

McKenzie had Lambert at #3 (!!!) in his 2022 draft pre-season rankings.

Edit: Also worth noting in McKenzie’s 2022 pre-season rankings…
3. Lambert
12. McGroarty
14. Salomonsson
Zhilkin mentioned as one of four honorable mentions after 16… so you could consider him top 20.

Big draft for the Jets.

Lambert is still the player I have the hardest read on in terms of NHL potential. If he pops, he could be a 1/2 C sort of in the Barzal tier. But I think there's still a chance that he tops out at a 2/3 RW level. I've seen a lot of improvement in his vision and puck movement, and that's the area where there I had most concerns. I've never been that concerned about his motor, but he still needs to get bigger and stronger to fully realize his potential in forechecking and defensive play.

Salomonsson really only needed to improve his confidence and play with the puck, and he's made big improvements. His size, skating and all-zone D play are strong NHL-level assets.

McGroarty is sort of the "anti-Lambert" in development. He has NHL size and very good vision and smarts with the puck. His only real constraint is skating, and he'll likely be fine because of his style and other attributes.

 

[Gil Fisher]

The way you put this is pretty smart actually.

My main takeaway from reading this is actually not about the forwards at all.

If Ville is going to play over Stan, Morrissey is likely going to need to play on the PK more.

Miller or Heinola could take more PP minutes. Or Fleury, if playing 3RD could take the PK time instead of JoMo.

McKenzie had Lambert at #3 (!!!) in his 2022 draft pre-season rankings.

Edit: Also worth noting in McKenzie’s 2022 pre-season rankings…
3. Lambert
12. McGroarty
14. Salomonsson
Zhilkin mentioned as one of four honorable mentions after 16… so you could consider him top 20.

Makes you wonder how early they score a player and whether it changes less during the draft year than other teams' and evaluators's rankings.

 

[Skidooboy]

So Lambert is playing at the same level as he was projected in his D-2 years....when people were mentioning Top5 and even first overall.....He fell to the Jets at 30..and since his move to Seattle in 22/23 in has basically torn NA hockey a "new one".

he's back up to that 1st overall pick form and doing in the AHL against men.... and is possibly going to be the steal of the draft...

he looked sick in Dev camp. I'm calling it...makes the team out of camp and is possibly #2C by Xmas.

 

[KingBogo]

So Lambert is playing at the same level as he was projected in his D-2 years....when people were mentioning Top5 and even first overall.....He fell to the Jets at 30..and since his move to Seattle in 22/23 in has basically torn NA hockey a "new one".

he's back up to that 1st overall pick form and doing in the AHL against men.... and is possibly going to be the steal of the draft...

he looked sick in Dev camp. I'm calling it...makes the team out of camp and is possibly #2C by Xmas.

This would be a very nice development. Lowry basically gets 2nd line deployment with his hard matchups so Lambert can take on the #3 center if he is ready. I’d like to see him be given some talent on his wings and some sheltered usage and I can see him having a really nice rookie season at the NHL level.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

This would be a very nice development. Lowry basically gets 2nd line deployment with his hard matchups so Lambert can take on the #3 center if he is ready. I’d like to see him be given some talent on his wings and some sheltered usage and I can see him having a really nice rookie season at the NHL level.

If the shutdown line is getting 2nd line deployment the 3C will certainly have talent on his wings. Probably Ehlers and Perfetti. Or maybe Vilardi and one of Ehlers/Perfetti.

I think that talking about Lambert as 1OA in that draft class is a little over the top but he does compare well to several players taken in the top 15. He and Shane Wright look pretty close by the numbers. Wright was also touted as a 1OA at one time and went 4th. He also looks pretty close to Connor Geekie who went 11th. Certainly a good buy at 30.

 

[GJF]

So Lambert is playing at the same level as he was projected in his D-2 years....when people were mentioning Top5 and even first overall.....He fell to the Jets at 30..and since his move to Seattle in 22/23 in has basically torn NA hockey a "new one".

he's back up to that 1st overall pick form and doing in the AHL against men.... and is possibly going to be the steal of the draft...

he looked sick in Dev camp. I'm calling it...makes the team out of camp and is possibly #2C by Xmas.

That would change the dynamics for the entire upcoming season. Him going on a development path like that while Salmo delivers a sick rookie season. Baring any kind of injuries, those two things would be the biggest thing this roster could happen for the foreseeable future of this franchise.

 

[LowLefty]

That would change the dynamics for the entire upcoming season. Him going on a development path like that while Salmo delivers a sick rookie season. Baring any kind of injuries, those two things would be the biggest thing this roster could happen for the foreseeable future of this franchise.

Love to see it happen - the roster needs a shakeup and a couple of new players in meaningful roles would be a good start.
This org loved to play it safe - and the coaches comments on Names as 2c are a perfect example - I hope someone can come in and make that decision more difficult.

 

[Hank Chinaski]

Sure - but something is missing.

Kupari reminded me a lot of Alex Burmistrov in his second stint with the Jets. High individual skill level that stands out, but doesn’t do a whole lot within the context of a team game.

I’m not sure if that’s vision, hockey sense/IQ, attitude. But you’re right, something is missing.

 

[Board Bard]

Probably everyone remembers the tragic death of Adam Johnson during a hockey game in England. Rising from that was a memorial fund to be divided equally between the Adam Johnson Memorial Fund (presumably for his family) and the Nottingham Lions for safety equipment. This link takes you to a page describing a raffle the Jets organized for the fund back around February, whereby the winner would receive a Jets jersey signed by the team's players.

Enter Raffle to Win Winnipeg Jets "47 Johnson" Jersey hosted by Nottingham Ice Hockey Club

If you're at that page, click on "+" under "Prize" and it shows a list of players who signed the jersey. All of the signatures were of players who'd played games for the Jets . . . except one. The Jets also asked Brad Lambert to sign. Not Heinola, not McGroarty, not any other non-Jet. Just Lambert. To me that says that Jets management very much considers Lambert a Jet, as has done so for many months by now. IMO his spot on the roster is written in ink and it'll take a massive screw-up to change that.

tl;dr: Have no fear, Lambert will be on the roster come opening day.

 

[nobody imp0rtant]

Probably everyone remembers the tragic death of Adam Johnson during a hockey game in England. Rising from that was a memorial fund to be divided equally between the Adam Johnson Memorial Fund (presumably for his family) and the Nottingham Lions for safety equipment. This link takes you to a page describing a raffle the Jets organized for the fund back around February, whereby the winner would receive a Jets jersey signed by the team's players.

Enter Raffle to Win Winnipeg Jets "47 Johnson" Jersey hosted by Nottingham Ice Hockey Club

If you're at that page, click on "+" under "Prize" and it shows a list of players who signed the jersey. All of the signatures were of players who'd played games for the Jets . . . except one. The Jets also asked Brad Lambert to sign. Not Heinola, not McGroarty, not any other non-Jet. Just Lambert. To me that says that Jets management very much considers Lambert a Jet, as has done so for many months by now. IMO his spot on the roster is written in ink and it'll take a massive screw-up to change that.

tl;dr: Have no fear, Lambert will be on the roster come opening day.

A notable name is missing from that list. Did Scheifele refuse to sign, and they needed Lambert for a full roster of signatures? Even more conspiratorial, was there a trade of 55 in the works at the time, with the expectation that Lambert would take his place? Hmmmm.....

Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[Skidooboy]

If the shutdown line is getting 2nd line deployment the 3C will certainly have talent on his wings. Probably Ehlers and Perfetti. Or maybe Vilardi and one of Ehlers/Perfetti.

I think that talking about Lambert as 1OA in that draft class is a little over the top but he does compare well to several players taken in the top 15. He and Shane Wright look pretty close by the numbers. Wright was also touted as a 1OA at one time and went 4th. He also looks pretty close to Connor Geekie who went 11th. Certainly a good buy at 30.

you may not like it, but several scouts were picking him as a potential first overall. I didn’t say first overall I said potential first overall.

and i don’t think Wright has as high a ceiling as Lambert does.

but right now it’s a wash…

point is our #30 has performed like a top ten or better

 

[bumblebeeman]

you may not like it, but several scouts were picking him as a potential first overall. I didn’t say first overall I said potential first overall.

and i don’t think Wright has as high a ceiling as Lambert does.

but right now it’s a wash…

point is our #30 has performed like a top ten or better

I like your optimism, but let's let him play some NHL games first

 

[Flair Hay]

you may not like it, but several scouts were picking him as a potential first overall. I didn’t say first overall I said potential first overall.

and i don’t think Wright has as high a ceiling as Lambert does.

but right now it’s a wash…

point is our #30 has performed like a top ten or better

Yeah I think it's fair to throw him in the 10-15 range which is awesome and speaks to the big strides he's made.