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WJC comes to a close, Jets Prospect Update (Lambert, Torgersson)

August 21, 2022, 7:05 PM ET [20 Comments]
Jacob Billington
Winnipeg Jets Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
After the Captain of Team Canada, Mason McTavish, made the "golden save", followed by Blue Jackets top prospect, Kent Johnson scoring the "golden goal", Brad Lambert and the Finnish team were awarded the silver medal in this years tournament.

Lambert, however, was not a part of the game. Lambert was a healthy scratch for the final few games of the tournament, even after being demoted to fourth-line minutes.

It was a tough tournament for Lambert, who the Jets selected 30th overall with the New York Rangers draft pick from the Andrew Copp trade. We all know already that if Brad Lambert is going to be successful, it has to be in a offensive role. There is a fine line between Lambert being given the top-end role to shine, and earning it.

Once he was given fourth-line minutes, there was no coming back. Being put into a defensive-first position isn't what Lambert can play to get himself back up the lineup. Lambert is clearly a project prospect, and Jets fans should know that. He has all the talent in the world, but just couldn't show it off on this big stage.

Lambert started the tournament strong, showing his creativity and his ability to dominate, but after getting shut-down for a few games, resulting in the lower ice times, he wasn't able to get back into his groove.

What's next for Brad Lambert?

I don't see any argument convincing enough to make me believe signing a contract in the Liiga would be best for Lambert. I see a transfer to the WHL as his best path to success. Sure, playing against men would be great, if he could thrive there. Lamberts play is dependant on his confidence, and when he loses that, it is hard to come back from.

The Seattle Thunderbirds own the rights to the Finnish-Canadian, and thats exactly where I see him playing. He may get a short stint in the Jets organization, but should be penciled down for a year in the WHL, where he can tear it up at his pace.

Daniel Torgersson was the other Jets prospect competing in this years World Juniors. Torgersson and the Swede's took home a bronze medal, which is great for Togersson who played a big role in team-success.

If you are only following the scoresheets, you may not think Torgersson had a great tournament, but his impact was not the kind you find on the scoresheet.

The former 2nd round pick from the 2020 draft was a grinding forward, and played the role well. He notched two goals in the tournaments opening game, and didn't register any other points, but his play in the corners and in front of the net was a grand asset to any line he was playing on.

Torgersson took some tough penalties, likely being the biggest factor in reduced minutes, but none-the-less, he didn't let that hurt his play. He stuck to what he does best, and made sure he was valued every game.

Seeing two medals with only two prospects in the tournament is promising, regardless of their roles on the team. This is a great part of both players development, as it gives them a taste of winning on a big stage.

Both players have a good shot at a full time NHL job in their futures, and their development paths, while very different, can be compared a lot. Tough coaching decisions, justified or not, but still giving their effort. Once Lambert can gain some confidence and pickup some better defensive decision-making habits, and Torgersson can get a better grasp on the discipline, these prospects can thrive.

Just a quick one today, thanks for stopping by to read, and I hope you lal have a great day!

Let me know your thoughts down below, and how you feel about these two prospects.
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