Jets forwards lambert and chibrikov to make NHL debuts thursday
The Winnipeg Jets have made the decision to recall forward Brad Lambert from the Manitoba Moose in advance of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
This move comes partly as a reward for a strong rookie season in the American Hockey League, but also as a personnel alignment, as head coach Rick Bowness helps solidify his roster for what he hopes will be a lengthy postseason run.
Lambert, 20, was called up from the Moose alongside fellow forwards Nikita Chibrikov and Parker Ford on Thursday, while veteran backstop Collin Delia also earned the nod. The four players will earn NHL pay for the time being, while practicing and travelling with the big league club.
As a matter of fact, the Jets have opted to sit a number of regularly rostered players for their game against the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday evening. Those players include Connor Hellebuyck, Josh Morrissey, Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Adam Lowry and Brenden Dillon. Morgan Barron will also remain out of the lineup after suffering a lower-body injury on Tuesday vs. Seattle.
Filling in will be a number of recent healthy scratches: Cole Perfetti, Rasmus Kupari, David Gustafsson, Nate Schmidt and Colin Miller. Both Lambert and Chibrikov are also expected to draw into the lineup, marking their NHL debuts. Ford will be ready to go should something come up in warmup or between morning skate and game time.
Lambert has suited up in 63 games for Manitoba this season and leads the team in points as a first-year player. He has 20 goals and 54 points on the year, while the 2022 first round pick ranks first and second among all rookies in assists and points, respectively.
He will suit up alongside Gabe Vilardi and Alex Iafallo as a centreman on the team's second line. Vancouver is also expected to rest a number of regulars.
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