Jets Recall Clague, Reassign Lambert to Manitoba

The Winnipeg Jets recalled defenseman Kale Clague from the Manitoba Moose and reassigned Brad Lambert to the Moose, per team release this morning.

The roster movement came after Haydn Fleury exited yesterday’s game after blocking a shot that hit his knee. Head coach Scott Arniel gave the update today during his media availability following practice that Fleury is day-to-day.

Clague was recalled in a move that is expected to be purely added insurance to a Jets defensive core that’s already missing Dylan Samberg.

Clague, 27, looked calm and collected in his AHL debut for the Manitoba Moose. Anchoring the blue line for the Moose in their home opener as they beat the Laval Rocket 4-1. While Clague didn’t record any points, he was a solid number one option with Elias Salomonsson on his line.

The former 51st overall draft selection by the Los Angeles Kings has played 94 NHL games to date with the Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres. He brings plenty of AHL experience to the table as he’s suited up in 255 games across eight AHL seasons.

Before he turned pro, Clague suited up as a member of the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League for parts of five seasons. The Regina, Saskatchewan-born defenseman is no stranger to Manitoba and he’ll look to impress should he find his way into NHL game action with the Jets.

Lambert’s reassignment isn’t overly surprising as he sat the first two games in the press box for the Winnipeg Jets. As the Jets head on the road to face the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers, Lambert’s return to the Moose creates a quick roster spot for Clague’s recall as its uncertain if Fleury will play tomorrow afternoon against the Islanders.

Before being reassigned to the Moose, Lambert was one of three Moose young stars to be up with the Jets. Parker Ford, who also has yet to make his Jets 2025-26 season debut with the team, is up with Nikita Chibrikov. Chibrikov has played both games for the Jets to open the 2025-26 season on the second line with Gustav Nyquist and Jonathan Toews. He took Cole Perfetti’s place as Perfetti is listed week-to-week currently.

The Moose get even deeper as Lambert joins the fold during the Moose’s quest to have a strong 2025-26 season.

The Jets hit the road to face the New York Islanders on Monday, October 13th, with puck drop set for 12:00 pm CST. The Moose are wrapping up their home stand with a 2:00 pm CST game today against the Laval Rocket.