Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - In the final part of our multi-faceted series covering the NHL draft, we'll head back overseas one more time to look at Brad Lambert of JYP and the Lahti Pelicans in the Finnish Liiga.
Lambert is the only member of Liiga in our draft series, and one of the only Finnish players ranked in the first round.
The Lahti, Finland native is currently ranked 10th overall amongst European skaters by NHL Central Scouting. He has been projected to be drafted between the eighth and 32nd overall picks, which would make him a target for the Sabres with any of their three-first round picks.
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Profile
Lambert comes in at 6-foot and 183 pounds, which is a bit on the smaller size for some forwards. He is an all-around type of player who has many exceptional tools, but the most useful being his stickhandling ability combined with his skating.
The 18-year-old has played his junior career in the various Finnish hockey leagues, most recently in the top league of Liiga with JYP and the Pelicans. In this past year's contests, Lambert logged 49 games between the two teams, scoring a combined 10 points (4+6).
Lambert also competed with Team Finland in a number of U-20 international juniors competitions, playing nine games and recording four points.
It’s important to note that Liiga, along with other European leagues, is different from junior leagues like the Western Hockey League or Ontario Hockey League where a majority of NHL prospects come from. Players like Lambert are not only playing prospects that are their age, but also grown men and some former NHLers.
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Positives
When looking at some of the tools that the young winger possesses one has stood out from the rest and that would be his skating. He has incredible speed and agility for an 18-year-old, which is one of the most important things to have when trying to adjust to the speed of the NHL.
Another positive that Lambert has is his ability to possess the puck while at these great speeds. At many points during this past season, he was utilized as the main puck carrier when entering the offensive zone and could control play while also creating chances.
Combining these two abilities at any level would allow him to create great chances for his team being the main puck carrier and driving force behind a play. He can take the eye of the defender away from his teammates to set up easy back door chances, or create space to score the goal himself.
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Negatives
The main downside to a player like Lambert is his size. At 6-foot and only 179 pounds, there can be times when he gets pushed off the puck easily or loses important battles in his own zone from simply being outmuscled. While this can be improved upon as he gets older and stronger, it may be a downside early on in his career.
Another slight downside is the lack of consistency. Lambert has had issues early on with this, as there will be nights where if he’s on, he’s on fire. However, other nights he looks like he’s not even there. This is still something that can be fixed through coaching and experience.
If Lambert can play in America sooner, it would be better for his career, because there are many cases where younger prospect players aren't utilized as much in the European leagues.
These teams are competing for their championship trophy, rather than just developing players like junior teams in North America.
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NHL comparison
Given Lambert’s skills, traits, and playstyle, he could be compared to many different players in the first round of this draft. However, he seems to have something more to his game, much like the first overall selection in the 2007 NHL Draft.
Patrick Kane has made a career being a high-flying, high-scoring, puck-controlling winger. While his draft hype and junior production doesn't match, Lambert's skills hold the same type of potential.
Throughout his years in the league, Kane has had multiple seasons with 60 points or more, as well as two seasons with more than 100 points. He has also helped his team win three Stanley Cups, as well as winning the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year and the Hart Trophy for league MVP.
Where does he fit on the Sabres?
Lambert has all of the tools to become a high-scoring winger for the Buffalo Sabres that could nicely complement a center like Tage Thompson or Dylan Cozens. He will also provide the Sabres more depth in the wing position with rising stars like Jack Quinn and JJ Peterka.
Given the fact that Lambert would need to transition to North American hockey, it could take him longer to arrive at the NHL level. However, a few years in the AHL would be good for him to grow in size.
Sabres fans could expect to see him in 2-3 years after the draft, if he produces nicely at the AHL level. He can be a top line scoring winger for an NHL team for many years.
Losi and Gangi
