Winnipeg Jets Send Forward Brad Lambert to AHL After Struggles
The Winnipeg Jets placed forward Brad Lambert on waivers, signaling a potential move to their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. Lambert has managed only one assist in 11 games this season and has been ineffective in limited ice time. The organization believes his development may be better served in the minors despite prior NHL experience.
The Winnipeg Jets placed forward Brad Lambert on waivers on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, opening the door for him to be assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, if he clears waivers by Wednesday. Lambert, a 22-year-old center and former first-round draft pick, has managed just one assist in 11 NHL games this season, with no goals and a minus-5 rating while averaging only 9:10 of ice time per game. His most recent appearance was a 5-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he played under nine minutes. Despite showing modest promise during his 2025-26 season—posting three goals and six points in 25 games—the Jets have concluded that his development may be better served in the minors. In contrast, Lambert has posted 36 goals and 70 assists in 173 AHL regular-season games, demonstrating a clear statistical advantage at the lower level. The move reflects a strategic recalibration by the Jets’ front office, which appears to prioritize long-term growth over short-term depth.
The decision follows a pattern of organizational evaluation where players with limited NHL impact are reassigned to develop under higher usage and responsibility. Lambert’s prior NHL experience, while modest, has not translated into consistent performance or trust in the lineup. The Jets, like many teams, balance immediate competitiveness with player development, especially for young talent. The organization likely believes that increased ice time and a more central role in the AHL will help refine h
This move could signal a broader trend in NHL front offices prioritizing player development over short-term roster flexibility, particularly with young players who underperform at the NHL level. Lambert’s situation reflects how teams are increasingly willing to send promising but inconsistent talent back to the minors, even after limited NHL experience, to ensure long-term growth. The impact on fans may be mixed—some may view it as a necessary step for player maturation, while others might see it as a sign of organizational uncertainty or lack of confidence in young players. For AHL teams like the Manitoba Moose, such assignments can boost depth and morale, especially when they bring in players with NHL pedigree. A comparable case is that of Elias Pettersson’s early struggles with the Vancouver Canucks in 2018, who was briefly reassigned to the AHL before becoming a cornerstone player. However, Lambert’s path may differ due to his lower production and lack of elite draft status. The b