Should the Edmonton Oilers claim Brad Lambert?

In the following year, Lambert became a full-time AHLer. His rookie season was very impressive, posting 21 goals and 55 points in 64 games. He led the team in points and seemed to be on pace to quickly become an NHLer. However, since the 2023–24 campaign, Lambert’s production has continued to fall off. Last year, he only had 13 points in 34 games. On the bright side, he did get 25 games of NHL experience.

Through 11 games with the Jets this season, Lambert has just one assist, resulting in his waiver placement.

Would Lambert fit in the Oilers lineup?

One can argue that Lambert could be a solid fit in Edmonton. He could become the Oilers’ future third-line centre, especially with all the injuries they’ve dealt with this season. With Jason Dickinson and Owen Michaels centring the bottom two lines in the lineup, I say that Lambert could be brought in to bring some more flair. Dickinson and Michaels are solid players in the lineup, but they could still excel on the fourth line.

Lambert is mainly known for his offensive abilities. He is a great skater who has solid puck-handling skills and a playmaking IQ. He could definitely come in and provide some support to the Oilers’ second power-play unit. Having guys like Colton Dach and Filip Hallander on the second unit may not be the best options in the long run. With Lambert still being just 22 years old, I think he still has some untapped potential.

The forward really showed his potential in his rookie AHL season. It is unfortunate that he has failed to continue developing at a steady pace, but maybe a fresh start is exactly what the forward needs.

What would the lines look like?

If the Oilers claimed Lambert, the healthy forward lines could look something like this.

Podkolzin – McDavid – Hyman

RNH – Draisaitl – Savoie

Dach – Lambert – Kapanen

Joseph – Dickinson/Michaels – Hallander

This lineup would be amazing to see (assuming everyone stays healthy). Formenton was not included because he really should be out of the lineup. I think Lambert would bring some more youthful excitement into the lineup. We have already seen what Savoie, Dach, and Michaels are capable of. Maybe Lambert could be the main centre of the Oilers’ future. With more young guys entering the lineup, Isaac Howard was unfortunately the odd man out.

With an $866K cap hit and RFA status, is it worth it for the Oilers to take a chance on Lambert?