Brayden Yager became the first Winnipeg Jets player to wear No. 29 since Patrik Laine last suited up in it six years ago, adding an extra layer of significance to his long-awaited NHL debut.

Yager’s arrival has been anticipated since August 2024, when Winnipeg acquired him in a deal that sent Rutger McGroarty to the Pittsburgh Penguins. While McGroarty is still working to establish himself at the NHL level, the Jets are counting on Yager to grow into an important part of their future.

The 21-year-old made his debut Monday night against the Vegas Golden Knights, a tough test against a team that controlled much of the game and came away with a 6-2 win.

Centered on the third line, Yager skated alongside Nino Niederreiter and Nikita Chibrikov, logging 17 shifts in 10:17 of ice time. He recorded one shot on goal and was on the ice for one Vegas tally, but overall did not look out of place against a strong opponent.