Top Penguins Prospects Named WHL All-Stars
The Pittsburgh Penguins had multiple prospects named to the WHL's All-Star Teams.
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins may still have one of the lowest-ranked prospect pools in the NHL, but it’s getting better, and some of the biggest names are expected to have bright futures. Two of the Penguins’ top prospects have spent their 2023-24 seasons in the Western Hockey League and are earning high honors.
The WHL announced that Penguins prospects Brayden Yager and Owen Pickering were voted to end-of-season All-Star Teams. Yager was voted to the second-team All-Star of the East Division, and Pickering was named a first-team All-Star of the Central Division.
Yager was one of five Moose Jaw Warriors to be voted to All-Star Teams. In 57 games with the Warriors, Yager posted an astounding 35 goals and 60 assists for 95 total points. Those numbers all surpass previous career highs in his fourth WHL season.
Before the start of the 2023-24 season, Yager was one of the most notable players in both the Penguins’ rookie and professional training camps. He has aspirations of reaching the NHL, and it may be right around the corner if he has another outstanding camp and preseason.
Pickering was the captain of his Swift Current Broncos and a steady face on their blue line. As a defenseman, he scored seven goals and 39 assists for 46 points. More importantly, he wasn’t on the ice for a ton of goals against, as he carries a plus-18 rating.
During the tail end of the 2022-23 season, Pickering made his way to the AHL to play a few games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. That will likely be his outcome again this season, as the WBS Penguins are fighting for a playoff run at the AHL level.
Pickering still has room to grow in his position, and he will likely need time to marinate in the Penguins’ organization before he makes the leap to the NHL.
Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
- Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube
- Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins