Kyle MacLean, Jimmy Lambert don't want preferential treatment at Islanders development camp
Islanders forward Kyle MacLean skates during Prospect Development Camp at Northwell Health Ice Center on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2022. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Jimmy Lambert and Kyle MacLean have adjoining locker stalls at Islanders prospect development camp, just as the former’s uncle, Lane, and the latter’s father, John, will spend plenty of time with each other plotting coaching strategy in their first season working together.
Despite their strong NHL bloodlines, the two undrafted forwards face an uphill battle to eventually compete for a spot on the Islanders’ roster. And neither wants — or expects — any favors from family.
“I said, ‘When we’re at the rink, I don’t know you, you’re just another coach, that’s all,’ ” Kyle MacLean said with a laugh on Sunday at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow.
MacLean, 23, who is participating in his fourth Islanders development camp, had 12 goals and 20 assists in 90 AHL games for Bridgeport the past two seasons. John MacLean was hired as an Isles assistant coach on July 28 after spending last season with the Sharks.
“He called me and he’s like, ‘I’ve got some news, I don’t know how you’ll feel about it,’ ” Kyle MacLean said. “It’s a good opportunity for him. It’s a professional relationship now.”
Jimmy Lambert, 25, signed an amateur tryout offer with Bridgeport on April 18 after completing his fourth collegiate season at Michigan. He attended the Flames’ development camp in 2018. Lane Lambert was promoted from Islanders associate coach to his first NHL head-coaching job on May 16.
“He’s had a long coaching career and this has been his goal ever since Day 1,” Jimmy Lambert said. “Our family is extremely proud of him and it’s an incredible honor for him to be able to be the head coach of the New York Islanders. Between the two of us, it’s strictly professional. If anything, I want to be pushed even harder. I just want to be the best player I can be. Whatever opportunity I get is going to be earned.”
Jimmy Lambert described himself as a “hard-working, 200-foot player who sees the ice well and has a lot of speed.” In some ways, that sounds similar to the gritty style Lane Lambert displayed during his 283-game NHL career with the Red Wings, Rangers and Nordiques.
John MacLean compiled 842 points (413 goals, 429 assists) and 1,331 penalty minutes in 1,194 NHL games, mainly with Lou Lamoriello’s Devils.
“He was a goal-scorer,” Kyle MacLean said. “I’m not quite that. A little bit of a different game.”
Notes & quotes: The Islanders confirmed that retired defenseman Johnny Boychuk has officially rejoined the organization in a player development role. Boychuk, whose career was ended by an eye injury in 2020 and whose expiring contract was traded to the Sabres last season, has been on ice at development camp as part of the coaching staff . . . Longtime Bridgeport coach Brent Thompson directed on-ice drills for the first time at this development camp. He foresees no change in his role with Lambert taking over for the fired Barry Trotz. “For me in Bridgeport, it’s the same thing,” Thompson said. “We want to get these guys developed and ready for the Islanders. That’s ultimately what I do and I enjoy it.”
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
