FCHockey
Staff
January 30, 2021

Prospect Spotlight: Carson Lambos

Prospect Spotlight is a feature highlighting NHL Draft eligibles and giving a peek into what makes them an intriguing prospect ahead of the 2021 NHL Draft. This edition features Winnipeg Ice/JYP U20 Carson Lambos.

  • Date of Birth: January 14, 2003
  • Position: LD
  • Team: JYP U20 (U20 SM-sarja)
  • Height: Six-foot-one
  • Weight: 201 pounds
  • Shoots: L

See Also: LAMBOS ADJUSTING WELL TO FINNISH LOAN

Lambos played part of his draft season in Finland

With the start of the WHL season delayed, Lambos was faced with a difficult decision in his draft year. He eventually made a decision at the end of October to play overseas in Finland and had the opportunity to play with both JYP’s U18 and U20 teams. Before the leagues shut down in early December, Lambos was able to play in 13 games with the U20 team, contributing two goals and eleven points in 13 games. 

The rest of Lambos’ draft year is up in the air

With a start date for the rest of the WHL still unconfirmed for the rest of the season (the league was able to make a season work for their Alberta-based Central Division teams), Lambos remains in limbo for the time being, like many of his fellow WHL and OHL players. The Finnish junior leagues haven’t restarted, and unless they do, Lambos may be better off waiting for the WHL to work something out for the East Division to get playing this season. It’s an unfortunate situation for Lambos and his peers in one of the most critical development years, but Lambos was at least able to see some game action this season.

Lambos is one of the top defenseman available in 2021

In spite of the difficult season, Lambos remains one of the top defensemen eligible for the 2021 NHL Draft. Although some experts have seen his game take a step backwards playing overseas, for now, Lambos remains a consensus top-five pick. There are plenty of talented defensemen eligible this year, and that includes Lambos, who you could argue is the most well-rounded of the bunch, especially when it comes to his two-way game. 

Related: FIVE FOR CARSON LAMBOS

What the experts say

In a completely different league, he once again showed that his top attributes are his puck patience all over the ice, his ability to use teammates effectively, and the swiftness of his feet… I think Lambos playing overseas was a bit of a gift to evaluators because it gave more context to where he is with his draft level peers.  – FCHockey’s western Canada scout Joel Henderson

It’s a good thing that I’ve seen Lambos play at his best before, because he looked really rough in this outing. Instead of managing the play, like you want defenders to do, he spent most of the game unsuccessfully chasing it… His puck movement and decision-making were both problems in this match… Also wasn’t successful using his skating or physical play to break up opposing cycles, although he did throw his body around a fair bit. Will need to watch Lambos closely again to see if this game was an aberration, or indicative of serious problems. – FCHockey’s head crossover scout Derek Neumeier

Going back to seeing Lambos even as a 15-year-old call up I’ve been impressed with how comprehensive his game is from top to bottom. While there are certain areas of his game that aren’t A list qualities, he virtually does everything you would want out of a defender and there’s no real flaw to how he plays the game… At worst I feel he’s a game managing player who puts up secondary numbers and can play all situations. This kid has been good for a long time but I would like to see what else he can squeeze out of his skillset to be truly great. He’s a plus two way option at the top of the board. – FCHockey’s head western Canada scout Justin Froese 

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