WHL Stars & NHL Debuts: Lambert earns first NHL point in Jets debut
2023 WHL Champion Brad Lambert made quite an impression in his NHL debut with the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, April 18.
The former Seattle Thunderbirds forward netted his first NHL point with a secondary assist on Gabriel Villardi’s game-tying goal in the first period en route to a 4-2 Jets victory in Winnipeg’s regular-season finale.
First NHL point for Brad Lambert! 🚨#NHLStats: https://t.co/6mWUpFEQV3 pic.twitter.com/ZsANJlNIe3
— NHL (@NHL) April 19, 2024
“A dream come true for sure,” Lambert told reporters post-game. “Unbelievable feeling yesterday when I figured out that I was going to be playing. It didn’t even feel real at first. Getting here and experiencing this along with Chibi (fellow Manitoba Moose player Nikita Chibrikov) and these guys has made it so special, to be able to get a win as well feels awesome.”
Lambert’s travel schedule was so demanding he didn’t even arrive in time for the Jets’ morning skate.
“You don’t have as much time to think about it, so maybe it’s better that way,” Lambert smiled. “You don’t get all riled up with the nerves.”
However, his parents were able to arrive in time to watch their son hit the ice with the big club at Canada Life Centre.
The Lambert parents are in the building to watch their 20-year-old son Brad Lambert make his NHL debut 🫶 pic.twitter.com/XLWOi1PSgJ
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 19, 2024
The Lahti, Finland product was selected by Winnipeg with the 30th pick in the first round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
Lambert joined the Seattle Thunderbirds the following season, netting 17 goals (including four game-winners) and 21 assists for 38 points in 26 regular-season matches.
The 6-foot, 183-pound forward turned it up a level in the playoffs, tallying six goals and 20 assists for 26 points in 17 games en route to capturing the 2023 WHL Championship.
He’s also represented Finland twice at the IIHF World Junior Championship, capturing silver and bronze medals.