Iowa-Bred Wild Defenseman Carson Lambos Fighting for Full-Time NHL Spot

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Carson Lambos is no longer the wide-eyed rookie at Minnesota Wild training camp. The 23-year-old defenseman, who has spent the last two seasons developing with the Iowa Wild in Des Moines, is entering this camp with a clear mission: prove he belongs in the NHL full time.

Lambos, Minnesota's first-round pick (No. 26 overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft, made his NHL debut last season. But that single game only whetted his appetite for more.

“It was definitely a great experience to have, but at the end of the day, it's one game, and I want a lot more than that,” Lambos said. “The mentality and mindset stays the same regardless of how much I do or don't play. I think I'm still just trying to strive to get to this level on a full-time basis.”

Waiver Status Raises Stakes for Lambos and the Wild

This year's training camp carries extra weight. Lambos would now need to clear waivers to be assigned back to Iowa, giving the Wild a significant roster decision as the regular season approaches.

Head coach John Hynes has been direct about what he wants to see from the young blueliner.

“I think Lambo is a very good skater. He's very competitive. I think he defends well,” Hynes said. “I think it's the puck play, just making sure that he goes back. He's efficient with his puck movement, efficient with the puck play, good decisions with the puck.”

Development in Iowa Shaped Lambos' Game

Lambos' time with the Iowa Wild has been transformative. He has logged heavy minutes, matched up against opponents' top lines and taken on difficult defensive-zone assignments. Those responsibilities, he believes, have rounded out a game once built primarily on skating and offensive flair.

“Playing lots of minutes, facing top lines, a lot of D zone draws, that kind of thing, I think it matured my game a little bit,” Lambos said. “Just trying to be more assertive. Winning battles, killing plays, and being someone that is leading in all facets of the game.”

But Lambos insists his offensive instincts haven't disappeared amid the defensive focus.

“I don't think that's something I've lost,” he said. “There's a lot of times where you've been defending a lot, and that's just something you're forced to do. I don't think it's something I've lost. I haven't died or quit on that part of my game, and I think I'm looking to grow it here at the pro level a little bit.”

Assertiveness Is the Watchword for Lambos

The word “assertive” keeps coming up when Lambos describes the player he wants to become. He knows the shortened training camp and limited preseason schedule mean every moment counts.

“I'm definitely not in that group of super young players anymore,” Lambos said. “So, I think I can be more assertive with my game, make more plays, and yeah, really make an impact out there.”

He added: “It's more about the mentality going into every game, like not wasting a day, and every game is so huge. I'm just trying to really do whatever I can, and at the same time not doing too much. I think just sticking within my game and what I know I'm good at, but also trying to drive the play a little bit and being a prominent force out there.”

What's at Stake for the Wild and Iowa Fans

For Iowa hockey fans who have watched Lambos develop over two seasons in Des Moines, this camp represents a pivotal moment. If he makes the NHL roster, it's a testament to the Iowa Wild's player development pipeline. If he's assigned to Iowa, it would require clearing waivers, a risk the organization may be reluctant to take.

Lambos understands the opportunity in front of him and isn't taking it lightly.

“There's feedback, and then there's like a self-analysis as well,” he said. “And I just think I got to make a bigger impact in different ways, whether that's physically, but also when I get the puck offensively, trying not to let the play die on my stick, or getting up the ice and supporting that way. Keeping close gaps, and just being, you know, I've said it a few times here, but like assertive is a big word for me, just trying to do that.”

With the regular season fast approaching, all eyes will be on Lambos as he fights to turn one NHL game into a full-time career.