Brad Lambert Bio
Brad Lambert is a Finnish-Canadian professional ice hockey forward who plays for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League. Born on 19 December 2003 in Lahti, Finland, he began his professional career in 2019 and has since developed into one of the most talked-about young prospects in the game. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 179 pounds, Lambert shoots right and has been praised for his speed and offensive instincts.
Drafted 30th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2022, Lambert has split time between the American Hockey League, the Western Hockey League, and the NHL. His journey through professional hockey has included stints in Finland, North American junior leagues, and the Jets organization, where he continues to build his reputation as a skilled two-way forward.
Early Life and Background
Brad Lambert was born in Lahti, Finland, to a Canadian father and a Finnish mother, giving him dual citizenship in both countries. His father, Ross Lambert, played junior hockey for the Saskatoon Blades and later pursued a professional career in the American Hockey League and the United Kingdom’s Elite Ice Hockey League. His uncle Lane Lambert is a former NHL player who later moved into coaching, while another uncle, Dale, also played in the EIHL. The family’s deep roots in hockey provided Brad with an early and constant connection to the sport.
Growing up in Lahti, a city with a strong hockey tradition, Lambert was exposed to high-level competition from a young age. He came up through the HIFK youth system, where his talent quickly stood out among his peers. His cousin Jimmy also played collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan, further underscoring the family’s multi-generational presence in the game.
Lambert’s early development in Finland’s junior ranks prepared him for the demands of professional hockey. By the time he was a teenager, he was already drawing attention from scouts across Europe and North America for his combination of skating ability, vision, and scoring touch.
Path to Hockey
Lambert’s path to professional hockey began on 13 December 2019, when, at just 15 years old, he made his professional debut for HIFK of the SM-liiga, Finland’s top league. During that season, he scored 38 points in 42 games with HIFK’s under-20 club and added two points in four games at the senior level. Despite his youth, he exercised a contractual option to leave HIFK and continue his development elsewhere.
On 8 May 2020, Lambert signed a two-year contract with Finnish club JYP Jyväskylä. In the 2020–21 season, he posted 15 points in 46 games and led all under-18 players in scoring. His performance on the international stage further boosted his profile, as he represented Finland at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he scored a hat-trick in a 6–0 victory against Switzerland as a 15-year-old. Lambert also attended three IIHF World Junior Championships, winning bronze in 2021 and silver in 2022, before finishing fifth in 2023.
Entering the 2021–22 season, Lambert was ranked as high as second overall by some scouts ahead of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. After a difficult campaign in which he struggled to produce consistently, his stock dropped, and he was selected 30th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round.
Brad Lambert Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Lambert’s early professional years were split between HIFK and JYP Jyväskylä in the Finnish top flight. At HIFK, he showed flashes of brilliance in limited senior action while dominating at the under-20 level. His move to JYP gave him a larger role, and he responded by leading all under-18 players in scoring during the 2020–21 season with 15 points in 46 games.
His performances in Finland, combined with strong showings at international junior tournaments, established Lambert as one of the most promising young players in Europe. By the time he entered the 2021–22 season, he was widely regarded as a top-tier prospect for the upcoming NHL Draft.
Finnish League and Draft Years (2021–2022)
The 2021–22 season proved to be a turbulent one for Lambert. After a slow start with JYP, where he managed only six points in 24 games, his contract was terminated by mutual agreement. He signed with his hometown club, the Lahti Pelicans, but his production continued to falter, finishing with just four points in 25 games. The dip in performance caused his draft stock to slide.
Despite the disappointing season, the Winnipeg Jets selected Lambert 30th overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Shortly after the draft, the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League acquired his WHL rights from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for draft picks, setting the stage for his move to North America.
North American Development (2022–2023)
Following the draft, Lambert attended Jets training camp ahead of the 2022–23 season. On 12 October 2022, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with Winnipeg and was assigned to the Jets’ AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. After 14 games with the Moose in which he scored only three points, the organization opted to send him to the Seattle Thunderbirds for further development.
With the Thunderbirds, Lambert rediscovered his offensive game. He tallied 48 points in 26 regular-season games and added 26 points in 17 playoff games, helping Seattle capture the 2023 Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL champions. The Thunderbirds advanced to the final of the 2023 Memorial Cup, where they ultimately fell to the Quebec Remparts.
Winnipeg Jets Era (2022–Present)
Lambert returned to the Manitoba Moose for the 2023–24 season and quickly emerged as one of the AHL’s top rookies. He was named to the 2024 AHL All-Star Game and finished the season with 20 goals and 52 points, ranking second in rookie scoring. His strong play earned him a spot on the AHL All-Rookie Team.
With several Jets regulars resting ahead of the playoffs, Lambert was recalled to the NHL for the final game of the 2023–24 season. On 18 April 2024, he made his NHL debut and recorded an assist in a 4–2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, marking the beginning of his top-flight career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Off the ice, Lambert is recognized for his skating speed, playmaking vision, and ability to contribute in all three zones. His offensive instincts allow him to create scoring chances, while his two-way responsibility has improved throughout his development. Teammates and coaches have noted his work ethic and willingness to learn, qualities that have helped him adjust to the pace of professional hockey in North America.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Lambert’s signature achievements are his 2023 Ed Chynoweth Cup win with the Seattle Thunderbirds, his 2024 AHL All-Rookie Team selection, and his NHL debut assist against the Vancouver Canucks. Internationally, he captured bronze at the 2021 World Juniors and silver in 2022, establishing himself as a clutch performer on big stages.
Brad Lambert Career Wins
Brad Lambert has accumulated several notable victories across multiple leagues and competitions. His trophy case includes a WHL championship with the Seattle Thunderbirds in 2023 and a place on the 2024 AHL All-Rookie Team, recognizing his impact during his first full professional season in North America.
WHL Highlights
During the 2022–23 WHL season, Lambert played a central role in the Seattle Thunderbirds’ playoff run, recording 26 points in 17 postseason games. His contributions helped lead the team to the 2023 Ed Chynoweth Cup, the league’s championship trophy. Seattle then advanced to the Memorial Cup final, where they were defeated by the Quebec Remparts.
Other Wins and Performances
Lambert has represented Finland at multiple international tournaments, including three IIHF World Junior Championships, earning a bronze medal in 2021 and a silver medal in 2022. At the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he scored a hat-trick in a 6–0 win over Switzerland, one of the early highlights of his international career.
Brad Lambert Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Hockey runs deep in the Lambert family. His father, Ross Lambert, played for the Saskatoon Blades and professionally in the AHL and the United Kingdom’s EIHL. His uncle Lane Lambert is a former NHL player who later became a coach at the professional level, while his uncle Dale also played in the EIHL. His cousin Jimmy played collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan, continuing the family’s presence in the sport.
Personal Life
Brad Lambert holds dual Finnish-Canadian citizenship, having been born in Lahti, Finland, to a Canadian father and a Finnish mother. His upbringing in Finland and strong family ties to North American hockey have shaped his path in the sport. Lambert remains focused on his professional development with the Winnipeg Jets organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks an important chapter in Brad Lambert’s development with the Winnipeg Jets organization. After gaining valuable experience at both the AHL and NHL levels, he is expected to push for a more permanent role with the Jets. His offensive production and two-way play will be key factors in determining his standing within the team’s depth chart.
Throughout the season, Lambert’s performance with the Manitoba Moose and any call-ups to Winnipeg will be closely monitored. His progression as a power-play contributor and his ability to translate his junior scoring touch into professional success remain areas of focus for the Jets’ coaching staff.
With the Jets contending in the NHL’s competitive landscape, Lambert’s contributions, whether in the AHL or NHL, will play a part in the organization’s long-term plans. His continued growth, combined with his international experience, positions him as a player to watch as the 2025 season unfolds.