The Pittsburgh Penguins could be seeing the beginning of a solid second-line forming with Evgeni Malkin, Reilly Smith, and Valtteri Puustinen. With the 2024 World Junior Championship right around the corner, the Pittsburgh Penguins will see three of their top prospects representing their native countries. While Penguins prospects Emil Pieniniemi and Kalle Kangas will be features on the Team Finland blue line, a lot of eyes will be on arguably the top prospect in the Penguins’ system. Brayden Yager is set to be one of the top centers on Team Canada, and according to the Athletic, [https://theathletic.com/5142253/2023/12/21/world-juniors-top-nhl-prospects/] one of the top prospects to watch in the entire tournament. In their ranking of the top 25 prospects at the tournament, the Athletic labeled Yager 18th on the list ahead of other key NHL prospects like Nate Danielson and Denton Mateychuk. Yager earned his spot in the rankings and on Team Canada thanks to his stellar play to kick off the 2023-24 season with the Moose Jaw Warriors in the WHL. In 28 games played, Yager has picked up 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 total points. On Team Canada, Yager has been penciled in as the third line center with Easton Cowan and Matthew Wood on his wings. Yager did not record a point in Team Canada's 6-3 pre-tournament match against Team Switzerland. The 2024 World Junior Championship kicks of on December 26 and it won't take long for the Penguins to take notice. Yager's Team Canada and Pieniniemi and Kangas' Team Finlad square off that day. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more. Alex Nedeljkovic Found New Home with Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/podcasts/alex-nedeljkovic-found-home-pittsburgh-penguins] Penguins Star Duo in Striking Distance of NHL History [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/pittsburgh-penguins-sidney-crosby-evgeni-malkin-striking-nhl-history] GAME RECAP: Sidney Crosby Wills Penguins Passed Hurricanes in 2-1 Shootout Victory [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/podcasts/game-recap-sidney-crosby-pittsburgh-penguins-carolina-hurricanes] Sidney Crosby Continues to Put Penguins on His Back [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/players/sidney-crosby-continues-pittsburgh-penguins-back] Defense Makes Difference in Penguins Shootout Win [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/defense-difference-pittsburgh-penguins-win] * undefined * undefined
