Jimmy Lombardi – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

by

Jimmy Lombardi

2024-25 team: Flint Firebirds (OHL)
Date of Birth: Feb. 16, 2007
Place of Birth: Toronto, ON, CAN
Ht: 6-feet Wt: 179 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: C
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 first-year eligible

Rankings

With a last name that’s familiar to the Flint Firebirds organization, Jimmy Lombardi is not related to the former Firebird and Detroit Red Wings prospect Amadeus Lombardi but has plenty of the same skillset. Lombardi plays with a ton of energy, not just on the offensive side of the puck but defensively as well. His high-tempo offensive game is highlighted by his strong playmaking ability and high hockey IQ, constantly looking around for a teammate when he has the puck on his stick. While his playmaking is high-level, his shot needs a bit of work to become a major asset in his arsenal. Providing more consistent offensive production is another area of improvement, as he tends to go quiet for spurts.

Jimmy Lombardi Flint Firebirds
Jimmy Lombardi, Flint Firebirds (Natalie Shaver/OHL Images)

Defensively, Lombardi’s play is more consistent. His strong skating ability and vision on the ice help him position himself in a good spot to help break up plays in the slot, and his relentless motor has made him a force against opponents when they have the puck. His strong stickhandling and solid skating have helped him become a good breakout option, whether as an outlet pass or leading a rush out of the defensive zone.

Related: THW’s 2025 Draft Guide

Overall, Lombardi has shown a lot of promise. His work ethic and mindset have earned him more trust from his coaches throughout his draft year, and he’s now taken on a more prominent role in five-on-five situations and on special teams. He has served as one of the Firebirds’ top penalty-killers and is solid on the power play. Becoming more consistent could help take him to another level, much like Amadeus Lombardi did in his season following being drafted in 2022.

Other THW Draft Profiles

Jimmy Lombardi- NHL Draft Projection

Lombardi’s overall game has made him a top-100 prospect in the NHL Central Scouting’s rankings among North American players. Still, offensively, his lack of consistency will probably make him a middle-round pick in June, likely in the fourth round.

Quotables

“Lombardi exhibits elite game processing and anticipation. He excels in creating opportunities for his teammates and has a knack for recovering loose pucks, making him a valuable asset in both offensive and defensive situations.”- Dominic Tiano, OHL Writers

“While his offensive contributions are improving, refining his playmaking, passing and shooting will be critical for his development. Defensively, Lombardi demonstrates commitment by skating hard to backcheck and disrupt opponents’ attacks, with his defensive awareness standing out as a particular strength.”- Mike Kennedy, Future Considerations

Strengths

  • Highly intelligent on the ice
  • Relentless on the forecheck
  • Strong skater
  • Good vision at both ends of the ice
  • Strong two-way player
  • Ability to play on both the power play and the penalty kill

Under Construction- Improvements to Make

  • Building up consistency in his offensive game, he tends to go quiet for spurts
  • Working at the faceoff dot will help him earn more responsibility at the next level.
  • While showing flashes, working on his shot and playmaking abilities will be key.

NHL Potential

Lombardi’s energy and high IQ, along with his tools, should help make him, at worst, a bottom-six NHL player. Development with his shot and work at the faceoff dot could help turn him into a third-liner who can serve on the penalty kill and provide some secondary energy and offense at the NHL level.

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk: 2/5 Reward: 3.5/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense: 5/10 Defense: 6/10

Jimmy Lombardi Stats

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