Winnipeg Jets assign two young forwards to the AHL's Manitoba Moose

This off-season, the Winnipeg Jets front office and coaching staff were preaching that young guys could win a role at the NHL level, but thus far, it appears that may not be the case after all. That has since been solidified, with the team officially sending two of their top prospects in Brad Lambert and Nikita Chibrikov to the AHL, where they both spent the entire 2023/24 campaign.

In Lambert (20-years of age), the Jets see a future star, with the 6-foot-1 former first-round draft pick absolutely dominating in his first full AHL season a year ago, tallying 21 goals and 55 points in 64 games played. With the native of Finland showing size, skill, speed and hockey IQ, as well as the ability to score goals at the professional level, many Jets fans have been calling for him in the NHL since last season, but for now at least, he seemingly has more to prove in the AHL.

While Nikita Chibrikov is a much lesser known name, he also had a productive year with the Moose last season, notching 17 goals and 47 points in 70 games played, and at 21-years of age, he could push his way onto the NHL roster this season. Unlike Lambert, Chibrikov has plenty of experience in the pro game, with over 50
KHL games under his belt before jumping to North America, but given that he stands at 5-foot-9, there may be some reservations from the Jets front office and coaching staff.

With the team looking to make a deep push for the Stanley Cup, it may make sense that the team aren't looking to debut two early 20 year olds to start the season, but if both make noise to begin the year and any veterans lack production in the NHL, expect to hear more of their names moving forward.