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Jets' Brad Lambert off to AHL, Kovacevic Hits Waivers |
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The Winnipeg Jets announced Friday that Brad Lambert and Johnathan Kovacevic have been cut from the teams roster, with Lambert headed to the Manitoba Moose, and Kovacevic right behind him, pending his clearance of waivers.
Lambert, the Jets 30th overall pick in the most recent draft, has been moved to Manitoba, which answers one of the biggest questions we all had about the Jets. Lambert was eligible to play for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL, the Manitoba Moose in the AHL, or stick with the Jets. I was starting to think that he may get a shot on the Jets opening night lineup, and get a few games under his belt, but ultimately, the Jets decided to let him start the year in the AHL. After watching his pre-season, where he was dominant at times, it became clear that the AHL was the best place for him to develop.
As I have mentioned many times, the sky is the limit for the Finnish star. Lambert has all of the offensive skills in the world, and had many of them on display against some NHL-caliber players. I was on the fence about whether he should be in the AHL or WHL, with the WHL giving him an opportunity to dominate the league and gain confidence, leaning towards that, but the AHL will give him a lot of experience learning to play away from the puck in the Jets organization.
Lambert should be set for top-six minutes with the Moose, and be given a chance to show off his offensive capabilities alongside players like Chaz Lucius, Daniel Torgersson, Mikey Eyssimont and others. I am sure Lambert will get called up throughout the season, especially if there are injuries in an offensive role, and fill in there.
On the back end, Kovacevic also get sent to Manitoba, but needs to clear through waivers first. With a right side including Dylan DeMelo, Neal Pionk, Nate Schmidt and Dylan Samberg, all still with the NHL roster, there just simply wasn't room for Kovacevic. I don't see too many teams looking to Kovacevic as an NHL roster add currently, and we see a lot of good players clear waivers at this time of year. Sure, it is possible for him to be claimed, absolutely, and that would be a loss to the organization, but they had to make that move.
In some other news, Jets prospect goaltender Mikhail Berdin has signed a one year deal in the KHL under the advice of the NHL/NHLPA due to some personal issue. Berdin was expected to start a lot of games for the Manitoba Moose, and even contend for a backup job in the NHL at points. I hope the best for Berdin and any struggles he is going through.
What are your thoughts on the current roster the Jets have remaining? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments, and I hope you all have a great day!