Winnipeg Jets Prospect Brad Lambert Permitted to Seek Trade

A whirlwind hit the Winnipeg Jets today as Brad Lambert’s agency, ORR, has been granted permission by the Winnipeg Jets to seek a trade partner for their client, Brad Lambert.

The report came from NHL Insider Frank Seravalli on X today just before 3:00 pm CST.

Murat Ates of The Athletic posted a few hours after Seravalli’s post that it’s reasonable to assume it’s tied to frustration with Lambert’s AHL demotion.

In 10 NHL games, Lambert’s posted three points (1G, 2A) across three short stints playing in the NHL. Lambert’s most NHL games in one season sits at just five games played in 2024-25.

The former 30th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft was highly touted when he was drafted. He had a strong enough season to keep him in first round consideration, and the ceiling never seemed as high as it is for Lambert.

In his first season in North America, Lambert posted 38 points (17G, 21A) in 26 Western Hockey League games with the Seattle Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds and Lambert would go onto win the 2023 Memorial Cup.

In 2023-24, Lambert posted 55 points (21G, 34A) in 64 AHL games, all of which are career high’s in the AHL. In the 2024-25 season, Lambert’s play regressed as he posted just 35 points (7G, 28A) in 61 games. His plus-minus went from minus-six in 2023-24 to minus-30 in 2024-25.

Part of this can be attributed to the Moose’s play in 2024-25, and spoiler alert, they weren’t a great team last season. The biggest thing when it comes to Lambert’s game is the fact that he’s a natural centre. That’s just how he sees the game of hockey. The difference between 2023-24 and 2024-25 was the fact that he was converted to the wing to be developed as a winger, it wasn’t a fit.

Lambert, who’s on his entry level contract until 2026-27, isn’t exactly in a position of leverage. He may be in a situation where he may have to play through the situation if there are no major developments from now to the end of the trade deadline.

Murat Ates points out that it depends on how Lambert/his camp feels, the market’s interest, and each party’s willingness to let things ride out.

The Jets, who are in win-now mode, have faced situations like this before with former 2022 first rounder Rutger McGroarty, who was traded for Brayden Yager.

There are teams looking for a centre to play in their top six, and Lambert bills as a speedy young, 6-foot-two right-shot centre. Seattle and Vancouver are two teams looking for an injection into their roster. Brad Lambert’s uncle, Lane Lambert, coaches in Seattle, it makes me curious if a move would be considered between both teams.

As more information is made available, Inside The Rink will continue to provide exclusive coverage.