This year’s NHL Draft is a bit on the unusual side compared to previous years by virtue of the Kings prospects not having many relationships with the upcoming potential picks. It’s never a requirement, of course, yet it adds a more personal touch on getting to know candidates.
While Los Angeles does not have a first round pick, there is always annual movement where players drop in the rankings. Kings general manager Rob Blake has not been afraid of taking fallers, such as Gabriel Vilardi and Francesco Pinelli.
This upcoming potential pick checks both of those boxes. Originally in talks to go first overall, could he fall to the Kings on day two?
Brad Lambert
Vitals
Date of Birth: December 19, 2003
Height: 6’0
Weight: 183 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Forward
2021-22 Season
Lambert spent most of the year in Finland’s top league, Liiga. The season was split between two teams. He scored 6 points (2 G, 4 A) in 24 games for JYP and 4 points (2 G, 2 A) in 25 contests for the Pelicans.
The JYP/Pelicans Link
The two teams he played for in Liiga should sound familiar with ardent readers and followers of Kings prospects. Samuel Helenius, who Los Angeles took last season, was his teammate in JYP. They also seemed to be a bit of a dynamic duo when representing Finland in the WJCs prior to cancellation.
Mid-season, Lambert was moved over to the Lahti Pelicans, where he was teammates with another Kings prospect, Aatu Jamsen.
A Byfield Connection
Quinton Byfield has historically trained with Gary Roberts for strength and conditioning purposes in the offseason. The training regimen offered by Robers is one of the premier opportunities for any player, let alone prospects. It should be no surprise, then, that Lambert also trains in the same place, as evidenced by his diary entry.
Exceptionalism and Exceptional Returns
Lambert’s name drew interest in the scouting community early, as he made his debut in Liiga at the age of 15. Playing against grown adults at such a young age is one of the key reasons scouts had hopes and expectations of him being available early in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
However, he hit a wall in production this year; and some maligned comments left him sitting in limbo by the draft combine, where he told teams he did not have a contract this upcoming season.
Enter the Western Hockey League.
The native of Lahti, Finland was taken by Saskatoon during the 2020 CHL Import Draft. The Seattle Thunderbirds acquired his rights for four picks, including a conditional first in 2023 and conditional second in 2024. Without a contract in Europe, it seems very likely he has a channel in the WHL, so teams don’t feel like they have to push him into the AHL or NHL.
Rankings by Independent Scouting Services
Ranked No 14 by Elite Prospects. “Certainly, the 6-feet-tall pivot is the best mechanical skater and handler in this draft. There’s no real debate there among our staff. He flies up and down the ice with perfect skating 142 posture, ample flexibility through his ankles, knees and hips, and a stable upper body. His top hand is pushed out, free from his torso, and he cradles the puck at the heel of his blade with quickness and precision that most players can’t match.”
Ranked No. 29 by Hockey Prospect. “We said good evaluations can be simple, and in this case, ironically, despite him being a complicated player, it is this simple. His neutral zone entry rates, when combined with his ability to generate play after play as the result of his tools regardless of the amount of mistakes he’s expected to make, still give him value. It just reduces his overall ceiling. The biggest issue with the projection is he has the tools and skillset to drive possession, unfortunately his decision making forces him to lose possession at a rate that has us believing that his possession driving metrics are smoke and mirrors. This player makes too many mental glitches for us to be comfortable thinking he can hold the puck for an extended amount of time consistently at the NHL level. We think Lambert might still be a middle-6 option, but he’s going to have to improve defensively and buy into the fact that he won’t be able to drive possession to the same degree he’s attempting in Liiga. When he keeps his game streamlined, he can be an effective player who carries one heck of a toolkit.”
Ranked No. 8 by McKeen’s Hockey. “What’s most important here is that Lambert is perhaps the most gifted skater in this draft. He not only skates forward with the puck faster than most players can without it, he’s also highly adept at changing directions and weaving around the ice in ways that would see many other players break their own ankles. His crossovers are extraordinary and born of great leg strength, allowing him to corral the puck in his own zone and gain powerful swiftness in moving up ice. In this sense, he resembles a thoroughbred off to the races. Generally strong hands and creative tendencies make that speed all that much more effective. His skating prowess doesn’t stop there as he can move around marvelously, excelling in starts and stops in a manner that highly effective NHLers tend to master. This has allowed him to be more than an ample power play sideboard cornerstone, be it on the left or right side of the ice. He can literally dance with the puck in tight corners using a myriad of hops and strong edges to his advantage.”
See For Yourself
Here is a collection of shifts of Brad Lambert over three games, which includes him playing alongside Kings prospect Samuel Helenius.
Final Comments
Over the course of a season, Lambert’s status shifted from surefire top prospect to one of the most polarizing players in the upcoming class. There are multiple factors which come into play, yet there are some common themes shared in the scouting community.
The Finnish forward is exceptionally talented, particularly in skating and puck control. His combination of athleticism and technique make him a dangerous attacker. He doesn’t lose speed while carrying the puck, and he’s creative and hard-working enough to continue pressing in the face of adversity.
When it comes to criticisms is where the polarity starts creeping in. Unfortunately, it comes down to interpretation and application of what some call “hockey sense.” There were some elements of showing a low-panic threshold, trying to do too much, trying to make a less-wise play versus a simple play, and making otherwise questionable decisions.
Coaching and structure can help players who struggle with processing the game. Unfortunately, it will ultimately limit production, as a player who can’t read the game will lean towards a singular option in execution and may be in a system that’s not conducive to a prospect’s skillset. Lambert falling to pick 51 is a longshot. Should he fall, however, the opportunity would be too enticing to pass up.
Not having a contract in Europe is a bit tricky. Getting drafted overseas would open the possibility of playing him in Ontario as soon as next year; given his experience playing against adults, that wouldn’t be the worst thing. However, perhaps some playing time in major junior hockey for the Seattle Thunderbirds would give him an opportunity to slow down the game to improve his overall decision making.
Chat with David: You can find him on Twitter @Davidenkness to talk more hockey.
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