There are alot of similarities between the two polarized players/prospects. Much of the same Lambert is going through like Aatu last year during his draft year. Both were highly touted with chance of being top 3 picks (if not 1st overall) starting the year and eventually slipping in draft ranking towards their draft due to poor performances and simply not putting up the stats. Scouts lost confident in both players and red flags were placed on them. Similar situations happened to Podkolzin ( but not to the same extend) where he was ranked top 3 starting the season in his 2019 draft year and fall out of top 10 ranking. Looking at Podkolzon development, especially his last 20 games of the season, I'm glad we got him where we did at 10th overall and whom still got alot of development and potential ahead of him.
Aatu Ht/Wt: 6' 2"/185 lbsPosition: C
"When at his best, Räty has the chance to be the best center from this draft class with his dual threat ability as a shooter and passer along with a two-way game that should translate to the NHL level. The issue is that he has often not been at his best over the last year which leaves him as a projectable transitional third line center."
"His wrist shot remains a real weapon and his ability to find soft spots has been quite good since the turn of the calendar to 2021. His two-way play is solid and he very well could wind up being the best center in the class."
Season
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
2020-2021
Kärpät U20
U20 SM-sarja
8
3
4
7
2
Kärpät
Liiga
35
3
3
6
18
2021-2022
Kärpät
Liiga
6
0
1
1
2
With his past year of development, Aatu have became Islander top prospect and the organization sure looks like genius by picking him in the 2nd round 52 overall pick. Here is a quick article on his rise:
https://theathletic.com/3259361/2022/04/20/new-york-islanders-prospect-aatu-raty/
Scouting Report :
Lambert Ht/Wt: 6' 0"/179 lbsPosition: C/RW
"A big-time faller. Once considered a potential first overall, and is now barely a first round pick in my rankings. He has elite-level skating and skill, but I have serious concerns about his hockey sense and compete"
"Long thought to be one of the most talented players in the draft and a potential No. 1 overall choice at one point, Lambert couldn't get much going this past year and now is seen as a boom-or-bust player; his elite skating and offensive abilities could make him a star, but others just aren't sold on him."
Season
Team
League
GP
G
A
TP
PIM
2021-2022
JYP U20
U20 SM-sarja
1
0
1
1
0
JYP
Liiga
24
2
4
6
31
Pelicans
Liiga
25
2
2
4
12
Finland U20
WJC-20 Cancelled
2
1
4
5
0
Finland U20 (all)
International-Jr
9
2
2
4
Scouting Report:
Now let's get to the obvious question. Should the Canucks take a swing for a homerun with Lambert even tho there are red flags or go for a safer pick at 15th overall? He is projected to go all over the draft board. Top 10, late 1st round and even early 2nd round.Whoever we draft 15th overall, will take 2 to 3 years of development anyways. After the success of Aatu the past year of development, you can bet many GMs are looking at Lambert closely at the up coming draft and my guess is he wont fall out of top 20th. What separate Lambert and makes him special from the rest of the class in 2022 Draft is : Speed and Skill, Speed and Skill. What the Canucks need and the new NHL is : Speed and Skill.
" The Need for Speed "
Who do you guys feel is the better prospect at their draft year?
Brad Lambert or Autu Raty?