NHL insider reveals what's really going on with the Brad Lambert trade situation
NHL insider Murat Ates brought up the subject of Brad Lambert's trade request, and he got into detail about what is really going on behind the scenes.
Reports came out Thursday that Winnipeg has allowed Brad Lambert's camp to explore trade options, creating understandable buzz around the 2022 first-round pick.
Fans want clarity, so here's what's actually happening, according to NHL insider Murat Ates.
What Brad Lambert really thinks of the city of Winnipeg
First, Lambert's situation isn't about disliking Winnipeg or not wanting to play for the Jets. He's in the second year of his entry-level deal, reported to the AHL when assigned, and recently scored his first NHL goal.
There's no contract issue or drama: he played for Manitoba on Thursday night.
"The first thing to understand is that Lambert's inclination to play elsewhere is not about a distaste for Winnipeg, the city or the organization. He recently scored his first NHL goal and has three points in 10 NHL games thus far in his career. There's no holdout, no refusal to sign a contract: He's playing through the second year of the three-year entry-level contract (after two ELC slide years) and reported to the Moose when assigned to the AHL. Lambert played for Manitoba against Chicago on Thursday night."
- Murat Ates
- Murat Ates
Second, the request isn't new. Since drafting Lambert, Winnipeg has leaned heavily on veterans, especially during last year's Presidents' Trophy run.
Lambert is about to turn 22, has seen the team add Gustav Nyquist, Tanner Pearson and Cole Koepke, and watched other young forwards get more NHL games than he has. It's easy to understand why he's growing impatient.
The Jets are in no rush to move him. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff really likes Lambert and has known for a very long time that he wants to play in the NHL. Winnipeg holds leverage because Lambert doesn't need waivers through the end of next season.
Why a trade involving Brad Lambert may not happen anytime soon
The Jets would need any deal to make them significantly better, especially with playoff aspirations and Hellebuyck recently being sidelined.
What's next? Lambert will need to dominate in the AHL once more to drive up his value.
Winnipeg will take calls and may look to move out a bigger piece at the deadline, much like past deals involving Brock Nelson or Bo Horvat. They could also swap prospects as they did when adding Brayden Yager.
If nothing compelling appears, they can simply keep him. Prospects push for NHL roles all the time, and many, like Logan Stanley, eventually break through without being moved.
Lambert wants to play in the NHL, and for the Jets if possible. Winnipeg will only trade him if it clearly improves their roster. Until then, patience is the key for both sides.
Previously on HockeyLatest
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 22 | 237 ANSWERS NHL insider reveals what's really going on with the Brad Lambert trade situation Will the Jets trade Brad Lambert this season? | ||
| Yes | 142 | 59.9 % |
| No | 95 | 40.1 % |
| List of polls | ||