Lambert’s development story took a frustrating turn this season with six goals and 13 points in 34 AHL games before earning a call up to the Jets, where he has one goal and one assist in nine NHL games. The underlying issue is deployment. Winnipeg has not been using him appropriately, slotting him alongside depth pieces rather than giving him the linemates and structure that would bring out his best. You are simply not going to unlock a complete player of Lambert’s calibre – elite acceleration, top-end speed, edgework, and agility – by playing him with the likes of Parker Ford, Morgan Barron, and Cole Koepke. The arrival of Isak Rosen gives the Jets an interesting option to build a sheltered scoring unit, and Lambert’s recent power play time on the second unit is an encouraging sign. A bump in quality linemates and increased ice time should benefit both Lambert and a Winnipeg offence that has struggled to generate anything outside of their top line. Teams in dynasty leagues should be all over him at his current value.

It was a down season for Lambert, as the Manitoba Moose in the AHL had a less-than-desired season, and his offensive numbers took a hit. The hype Lambert has reestablished after a productive 2023-24 AHL season of 65 games played (21 goals and 34 assists for 55 points) may have quietened for now. In 61 games in 2024-25 with Moose, he produced 35 points (seven goals and 28 assists).

The 2025-26 campaign will be a big one for Lambert and his development. If the Winnipeg Jets look to fill their roster openings with their prospects at center and wing in the 2025-26 campaign, Lambert, with his excellent acceleration and top-end speed, edgework, and agility, is at the top of the list for a middle-six spot with power play opportunities, even with questionable vision and decision-making as a playmaker. That said, Lambert will likely start the 2025-26 season in the American Hockey League with the Moose, aiming to bounce back offensively with a more successful, all-around performance and improved team results in Manitoba.

The Winnipeg Jets recalled Lambert on January 24. Jets captain Adam Lowry is on the IR with an upper-body injury, and his current status is week-to-week. Nik Ehlers is questionable about playing with an illness against the Utah Hockey Club on January 24, prompting Lambert to be called up. It doesn’t look like Lambert will get a chance at a top-six role and will be a bottom-six center or a healthy scratch. With a glaring need at center, now would be a good time to give Lambert a shot on the second line to see what he can do for the Jets before the NHL trade deadline (March 7).

Lambert earned his first call-up from the AHL by the Winnipeg Jets on December 3; he played four games with the Jets before being sent back to the Manitoba Moose on December 10. Lambert has 11 points (three goals and eight assists) in 17 games with the Moose in 2024-25.