In five games at the 2024 World Junior Championship, Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Brayden Yager was a standout performer.

The Pittsburgh Penguins finally have a prized prospect in their organization. 2023 first round pick Brayden Yager had an impressive showing at the World Juniors Championships even though Canada fell in a surprise loss to Czechia. Despite the bitter ending, Yager was a standout player during the tournament and had the look of a future impact player in the NHL.

Offensive Game 

The Canadian team was a highly talented offensive team, including several players with NHL experience. But it was undrafted and junior players that really stood out for the underachieving squad. That included the play of Penguins's prospect Brayden Yager, who looked a step above most of his teammates. 

Playing on a line with future superstar Macklin Celebrini and Austin Rekhop for several games in the tournament, the 18-year-old was a two-way threat every time he was on the ice.

The production matched the eye test as well, as Yager finished second on the team in scoring during the tournament, with two goals and three assists over five games. His point total was second only to frequent linemate Celebrini. And while he didn't outscore the future 2024 number one draft pick, Yager's impact was huge. 

NHL Forechecker

What made Yager so impactful playing alongside his talented teammates was his NHL-level forechecking. After being drafted by Pittsburgh, the organization lauded his play on both sides of the puck and asserted it was a major reason they selected him with 14th overall pick. His forechecking skills were especially noticeable during his time in Sweden. 

High Hockey IQ
What also catches your eye when Yager is on the ice is his decision making. He thinks the game at an extremely-high level and can visualize plays happening several passes before they develop. It stood out in this breakout he started in Canada's loss to Czechia. 

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4foo6pYwTh8[/embed]

After circling back to retrieve the puck, Yager keeps his head up looking for a play. With several options he finds the man open in the middle, attracting the defense towards the center of the ice and and allowing streaking forward to be available for a breakaway feed, which he buries. It's a heads-up play from a mature play, and it came at a huge moment for Team Canada, as they were already down 2-0 in an elimination game. 

All in all, the Penguins have to be over the moon with Brayden Yager's performance in this tournament. He was asked to play a significant role that focused mainly on being the defensive presence of his line while also contributing on both special teams units. It's safe to say he exceeded expectations.

He looked in sync with one of the most offensively gifted amateurs in the world, and stood out amongst a crop of extremely talented future NHL players. You couldn't help but to picture him making an impact in Pittsburgh sooner rather than later after this tournament. For the first time in years, it appears the Penguins have a prize prospect in their system. 

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