Hockey insider Frank Seravalli broke some crazy news from the Winnipeg Jets organization Thursday afternoon. The Jets have granted 2022 first-round pick Brad Lambert permission to find a trade partner from other teams around the NHL.

Seravalli confirmed that Lambert’s camp recently received approval to explore potential landing spots, as his path to a full-time NHL role in Winnipeg has tightened recently.

The Jets recently activated Morgan Barron and Cole Koepke off injured reserve, and to make room for the returning players they sent down Lambert, Nikita Chibrikov, and Parker Ford. Clearly, Lambert is frustrated that he’s not getting the NHL minutes he wants and needs to continue his development.

The 21-year-old forward has appeared in four NHL games this season, scoring one goal while seeing very limited ice time. In total, he’s dressed for ten career NHL games over three seasons, recording one goal and two assists. Lambert scored his first career goal just two weeks ago at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Winnipeg still sees Lambert’s long-term potential, but it’s understandable that he’s frustrated with bouncing between the Jets and the Manitoba Moose, along with the limited playing time he’s received in the NHL.

Lambert has been solid at the AHL level, recording 30 goals and 63 assists for 93 points in 141 games. The 2024-25 season was a down year, but Manitoba was the worst team in the league and had the worst season in franchise history.

The Lahti, Finland native helped his country win silver at the 2022 World Junior Championship. He also won the Ed Chynoweth Cup with the Seattle Thunderbirds in 2022-23, putting up 38 points (17G, 21A) in 26 regular season games and adding 26 points (6G, 20A) in 17 playoff matchups.

Does this mean Winnipeg will for sure trade Lambert? No, but if the right deal comes across the table, they certainly will consider it. Lambert is the one who wants out, so Winnipeg will try to get something good in return.