One of the best scorers in the WHL should be on the Pittsburgh Penguins’ radar in the upcoming draft.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are drawing closer to the NHL Draft. While Kyle Dubas continues re-shaping the organization, Inside the Penguins continues to bring you draft coverage. Up next is one of the premier scorers in the WHL, Brayden Yager. 

Highlights: 2023 NHL Draft top prospect second half of the season Highlights Reels

Essentials:

2022-23 Team: Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

Position: C

Height and Weight:6’0, 165 pounds

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 11th (amongst North American skaters)

Elite Prospects Rank: 20 (March 2023)

Shoots: Right

2022-23 Stats: 67 GP, 28 G, 50 A, 78 P

Player Breakdown:

Yager, pronounced conveniently similar to a former Penguins’ great, is one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. The WHL rookie of the year last season, Yager has been described as having a down season. He scored only 28 goals in 67 games, after delivering 40+ in the season prior. What most didn’t see is that Yager increased his passing ability this season, but not at the expense of his shooting skills. He registered 50 assists this past season, showing a huge improvement in the playmaking department.

Meanwhile, Yager’s shot is lethal. He’s a right handed shooter with a powerful and accurate shot. When he is in stride, he’s able to release the puck with effortless speed to beat the goalie. He has huge power play potential, with his quick release and tendency to find the back of the net.

What Needs To Improve:

Yager's puck handling skills are decent, but certainly need to improve. He frequently carried the puck from defensive to offensive zone, and while he has deke moves and solid skating abilities, he doesn’t have the best arsenal when entering the zone. If he evolves his game, and increases his playmaking and hockey sense to match his shot, he will easily surpass the second line center projection many have for him.

NHL Player Comparison: Jordan Eberle

NHL ETA: 2025-26

Yager is a hard prospect to project in terms of NHL readiness. He has the offensive skills, absolutely, but he still needs another season to fine tune his puck possession and playmaking abilities before he is completely ready. He’s still very light at only 165 pounds, and he’ll need to bulk up to be able to withstand the physicality of the NHL. He also needs to find ways to be as engaged defensively, and most teams will want to see vast improvements before they will feel he’s ready for the NHL.

All in all, Yager feels several seasons away, but worth the wait for the right team. 

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