Jets pick Brad Lambert 30th overall

The Winnipeg Jets selected Brad Lambert with the 30th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Brad Lambert

Position: Center/Right wing
Height: 6-feet
Weight: 183 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Pelicans (Liiga)
Nationality: Finnish

(Stats source: EliteProspects.com)

Lambert is one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects in this draft. He was once projected to be a top-five pick, but his stock has fallen significantly since.

He comes from an esteemed hockey family. His father, Ross, was born in Canada before carving out a legendary career in the UK. His uncle Dale also played professionally in the UK, and another uncle, Lane, played 283 games in the NHL and is currently the head coach of the New York Islanders. His cousin, Jimmy, just wrapped up a four-year career at Michigan.

Although he has dual citizenship, Brad has always represented Finland on the international stage. He did so at the 2021 world juniors as the youngest player on the team, having just turned 17. He tallied four points in the tournament to help the Finns win bronze.

Lambert made his Liiga debut in 2019-20. He recorded five more points in three fewer games in 2020-21 than in 2021-22, which is another concern.

Lambert's calling card is his elite skating ability. Not only is he explosive, but his edge work and change of direction are exceptional, too. He has a tantalizing offensive toolkit, but there are questions about his compete level.

What they're saying

Corey Pronman, The Athletic's senior prospects writer, ranked Lambert as his No. 15 prospect.

"You combine his skating with strong hands, and he's a go-to guy for zone entries," he wrote. "He can make tough plays in motion and shows O-zone creativity. He can use his skating to circle too much at times, but this season showed more willingness to attack directly. He's full of potential, even though I've seen him take a lot of nights off. I think he will be a top-six winger in the NHL, but he may frustrate coaches."

Pronman also touted Lambert as the best skater in the draft.

"Lambert being atop this list shouldn't be that surprising to anyone who has watched him for a few shifts," he wrote. "Lambert can absolutely fly. He's a one-man zone entry due to his speed and skill."

Lambert steadily dropped down TSN's Bob McKenzie's draft board, beginning the season at No. 3, falling to 11 at midseason, and finishing at No. 16.

"Lambert has blazing speed, and while he struggled to put up numbers early in the Finnish elite league season, his playmaking and goal-scoring abilities are notable," McKenzie wrote in his midseason rankings.

Tap here to watch some of Lambert's highlights.