Amadeus Lombardi

August 2024 – Lombardi provided decent secondary scoring this year as an AHL rookie, adjusting to the size and speed of the pro game with the Griffins. While a sub-30-point season feels underwhelming for a player who broke the century mark and just missed out on the OHL scoring lead last year in his Draft+1 campaign, the skilled forward is still only 20 years old and continues to fly well under the radar in fantasy circles. Lombardi always backed up his junior-level scoring with very strong play-driving results in all three zones. Provided he can continue to develop an extra gear with his skating, which was a concern about him at the draft, the tracking stats suggest that the offence will translate eventually. There might just be a talented bottom-sixer here. Ben Gehrels

May 2023 – Every NHL GM loves to hear these two words: speed and skill. When the Red Wings selected 113th overall in the 2022 draft- they got just that. Lombardi is a dynamic center, and his offensive upside has Wings scouts drooling. What will endear him to Steve Yzerman and his staff is his two way play. His defensive game game allows for him to be trusted in all situations on the ice. While he still has OHL eligibility, he did get in two games for Grand Rapids this season producing an assist in two games. I consistently hear comparisons to former Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou, and while there are some similarities, I see a much higher offensive upside. He signed his ELC with Detroit in December and will probably need a season or two in Grand Rapids before he gets the call up. The 20-year old is definitely worth a stash in dynasty leagues. Evan Sabourin