Jan. 27: It turns out Lambert’s demotion was a paper transaction to bank cap space. The Jets announced he’s been added back to the roster Monday, although it’s not clear if he’ll play Tuesday against the Canadiens.
Jan. 25: Lambert’s stint with Winnipeg was short-lived as the team announced that he has been returned to the Moose. He didn’t play against Utah on Friday.
Jan. 24: The Jets summoned top forward prospect Brad Lambert from AHL Manitoba on Friday, per a team announcement. They had an open spot on the active roster after placing captain Adam Lowry on injured reserve earlier this week, so no corresponding transaction is required.
Lambert, 21, could be in line for his most extended NHL call-up yet with Lowry sidelined week-to-week with an upper-body injury. Their captain’s absence leaves them without much offensive punch down the middle past Mark Scheifele and Vladislav Namestnikov, so adding the more offensively inclined youngster to the roster gives them more options to get depth scoring out of their bottom six. Running Rasmus Kupari and David Gustafsson down the middle of lines three and four isn’t a good short-term solution with Lowry out.
Since Winnipeg selected him 30th overall in the 2022 draft, Lambert has made five NHL appearances – four of which came early last month with Nikolaj Ehlers sidelined. He went pointless in those but recorded his first NHL assist in his debut last season.
In the minors, Lambert has taken a step back after a 55-point rookie season in 2023-24. He’s been limited to just three goals in 29 games for Manitoba, adding 13 assists for 16 points. Offensive struggles have mired the entire club – those 16 points still have him tied for second on the Moose in scoring – but his -15 rating is also second-worst behind Jaret Anderson-Dolan.
Perhaps some more NHL looks will allow the Jets to more accurately gauge where he’s at in his development instead of accumulating viewings in what’s been a difficult minor-league environment for the organization this season. The center and right winger will be an option to enter the lineup for Winnipeg tonight against Utah.