Should the Flyers Claim Former 2022 First-Round Pick off Waivers?

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Should the Flyers Claim Former 2022 First-Round Pick off Waivers?

NHL: Winnipeg Jets at Carolina Hurricanes — IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

William James · Philly Hockey Now

Tue, November 3, 2026 at 7:58 PM UTC ·

3 min read

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It was just about this time last year that we discussed the possibility of the Philadelphia Flyers trading for disgruntled Winnipeg Jets prospect Brad Lambert .

Lambert, now 22, was a former 1st round pick, selected 30th overall by the Jets in the 2022 NHL Draft. Drafted out of the Finnish Liiga, Lambert spent his D+1 season with the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL. The forward was once a highly touted prospect with speed, pure skating, high-end skill, and the potential to be a dynamic offensive threat.

Since being drafted, Lambert had a breakout season during his first year in the Jets organization, scoring 21 goals and 55 points in 64 games in the AHL during the 2023-24 season. Since then, it's been all down hill.

Lambert earned himself NHL looks, but could never really put it together in the NHL. He became available for trade, basically to find an opportunity for an NHL role that could see him producing and able to stick around. A change-of-scenery type trade. The Jets did not trade him last season, and he remained in the organization.

It was never known what the asking price for the former top prospect was. But now, there is a new avenue to acquire the center.

Cleared

Lambert (WIN) on waivers https://t.co/gsthBCO6WC

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 3, 2026

The Jets have officially placed Lambert on waivers, giving 31 NHL teams the opportunity to claim the center by 2 PM on Wednesday, or make a trade for him beforehand.

Should the Flyers Put a Claim in for Brad Lambert?

It would essentially cost the Flyers nothing to claim Lambert. The option to trade for him remains available for now, but his value will never be lower.

We all know the Flyers have been looking to upgrade down the middle. Putting a claim in on Lambert is the perfect low-risk, high-reward option to do so.

He would have to join the Flyers' NHL roster, which is convenient since a roster spot opened up on Monday when the team loaned forward Alex Bump back to the AHL. If the Flyers were to want Lambert to spend more time in the AHL to get to know their systems, he'd have to pass through waivers, which would be a risk.

This season, Lambert has appeared in 11 games for the Jets, tallying just an assist. In 42 career NHL games, the Finnish prospect has tallied 3 goals and 9 total points.

It's not exactly the prettiest of statlines. But then again, if it were a pretty one, he would not be on waivers.

This would be a reclamation project for the Flyers. Lambert was once a high-end prospect who never panned out. However, the Flyers' need for centers has not disappeared. Even with where things currently stand, the Flyers could play the 6'0″ forward on the right wing too while they figure out where he fits on the roster.

It's basically a risk-free way for the Flyers to add a young prospect who once had all of the potential in the world. If it pans out, the Flyers will have added a young center for nothing. In the event that it does not work out, they can cut ties.

Would you make a claim for Brad Lambert ?