Winnipeg Jets’ Brad Lambert, Nikita Chibrikov to make NHL debuts tonight vs. Canucks

Winnipeg Jets prospects Brad Lambert and Nikita Chibrikov were two of three call-ups this morning from the Jets’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Manitoba Moose.

Lambert and Chibrikov are expected to make their National Hockey League (NHL) debut tonight vs. Vancouver Canucks.

Lambert spent the 2023-24 regular season with the Moose in the AHL where he registered 20 goals and 34 assists for a team-leading 54 points in 63 games. Among Moose skaters, Lambert ranked second in goals and second in assists. The Finnish forward became the seventh player in Manitoba Moose history to be named to one of the AHL All-Rookie teams. Lambert was named the AHL Rookie of the Month for March after notching 18 points in 13 games. Lambert also got the opportunity earlier in the season to participate in the AHL’s 2024 All-Star classic.

The 20-year-old was oringally selected No. 30 overall in the 2022 NHL Draft by Winnipeg. Lambert spent time with the Moose during the 2022-23 regular season before being sent to the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL). While with Seattle, Lambert exploded onto the scene and scored 17 goals and 38 points in 26 games, he added 20 assists and 26 points in 17 WHL Playoff contests en route to a WHL Championship. Lambert and the Thunderbirds were one of two teams to represent the WHL at the 2023 Memorial Cup in Kamloops, British Columbia, Lambert tallied three points in five games.

Chibrikov will also make his NHL debut tonight, the 21-year-old tallied 17 goals and 46 points in 69 games with Manitoba. The Jets originally selected Chibrikov in the second round (No. 50 overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft.

Winnipeg will close out the 2023-24 regular season tonight vs. Vancouver and then will gear up for battle as they take on the Colorado Avalanche in the opening round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.