Lambert & Heinola to compete for spots this season
Photo credit: NHL
Can Brad Lambert, and Ville Heinola crack the roster for the Winnipeg Jets in the upcoming 2024-25 season?
We take a look at the Jets prospects looking to put a good training camp together in hopes of showcasing enough to be added to the Jets opening night roster. Both Lambert and Heinola have a great chance with strong performances to not only be on the team but to be possible impact player for the Jets moving forward.
1. Brad Lambert, C
Selected with No. 30 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2023-24 season: Winnipeg (NHL): 1 GP, 0-1-1; Manitoba (AHL): 64 GP, 21-34-55
Lambert is expected to get a long look during training camp, with an opportunity to earn a roster spot. The 20-year-old native of Lahti, Finland had a strong season with Manitoba of the American Hockey League in 2023-24.
Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said Lambert benefited from playing half a season with Seattle of the Western Hockey League after he was drafted. Lambert began that season in the AHL but was returned to his junior team following his third appearance at the World Junior Championship.
"For the first time he was playing against players his own age and his own peer group, and he really shot up," Cheveldayoff said. "The team didn't win the Memorial Cup and went far in the WHL playoffs and he was a big part of it. The big thing there is they transitioned him to center at that time and he took off there."
Projected NHL arrival: This season
2. Ville Heinola, D
Selected with No. 20 pick in 2019 NHL Draft
2023-24 season: Manitoba (AHL): 41 GP, 10-17-27
The 23-year-old was expected to make the opening night roster for the Jets last season but sustained an ankle injury in the final preseason game. The native of Honkajoki, Finland was allowed to go home to be with family during his recovery and returned to play the last half of the season with Manitoba of the AHL.
Heinola played well in the AHL after his return and will once again get an opportunity to battle for a roster spot in Winnipeg.
"It was a long road for him last year, the injury wasn't just a simple injury," Cheveldayoff said. "He missed essentially 40 games with that injury and spent the whole second half of that season trying to get back to form. Hopefully he's had a great summer and we're counting on him to take the next step."
Projected NHL arrival: This season
Source: NHL
Top prospects for Winnipeg Jets
Top prospects for Winnipeg Jets
| POLL | ||
1 SEPTEMBRE | 55 ANSWERS Lambert & Heinola to compete for spots this season Will both Lambert & Heinola be on the team for the Jets come opening night? | ||
| YES | 36 | 65.5 % |
| NO | 19 | 34.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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