The New Jersey Devils might seem desperate right now. They are terrible offensively since Jack Hughes went down with an injury. Well, he’s going to be out at least six weeks with the most optimistic timeline, but it’s more likely he’s out eight weeks or more.
The Devils have to figure out how to survive without Jack Hughes. They do have an easier schedule coming, with matchups against the Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, and Buffalo Sabres on the docket. Hopefully, the Devils can get the offense going.
Another way to get the offense going is to make a trade. It’s been really hard to get traction this early in the season, but we’re starting to hear about the players who might be available. First on the list tends to be young players who don’t have a role on their teams.
One of the most intriguing names is Winnipeg Jets young forward Brad Lambert. He was once considered a competitor for the top pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. He had a rough draft year, and he fell down draft boards. He eventually went 30th overall to the Jets. Now in his fourth year of professional hockey, Lambert appears to be frustrated with being an AHL player.
League sources say #GoJetsGo have given 2022 first round pick Brad Lambert's representation permission to find a trade partner.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) November 20, 2025
Lambert, 21, has one goal in four games for #nhljets in limited minutes this season.
Lambert had 21 goals and 34 assists in his first full season in the AHL. He looked like a steal of a pick. Then, he played a second full season in the AHL. He had seven goals and 28 assists. His numbers tanked. Now, he has one goal in the NHL this season and no points in three games in the AHL. Something isn’t clicking in that organization.
Brad Lambert is not right for the New Jersey Devils
Lambert is probably going to get traded. Teams will call about him. Heck, the Devils might call, but this isn’t the right move to help with the situation. Lambert has shown no ability to stick in the NHL. This isn’t the right move to help the Devils ease in the pain of losing Jack Hughes. He might not even be right to upgrade the bottom six.
This is a player with a ton of skill, but we’re feeling Alexander Holtz vibes. Holtz had that really good season in the AHL, but he fell off a cliff, and it never truly clicked.
The Devils don’t need a project. They need a solution. Brad Lambert is not that right now.