The Manitoba Moose are down 1 to 0 early against the Milwaukee Admirals after a costly mistake from prized Winnipeg Jets prospect Brayden Yager.

Yager turned the puck over near center ice and it quickly went the other way. Cole O’Hara capitalized on the rush and opened the scoring for Milwaukee, giving the Admirals the early lead and putting the Moose behind.

It is the type of mistake that stands out at the pro level. Plays that might slide in junior often end up in the back of your net in the AHL. For a highly touted young forward in his first professional season, those are the learning moments everyone watches closely.

To his credit, Yager answered back. He later scored a goal of his own, showing resilience and refusing to let the early turnover define his night. That pushback is an encouraging sign even if the turnover will be the clip that draws attention.

On the season, Yager now has seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points in 48 games. The numbers are steady but not overwhelming for a top prospect adjusting to pro hockey. This is his first year in the AHL and the pace, strength, and decision making demands are a clear step up.

Moose fans, how are you feeling about Yager’s season so far. Are you encouraged by the flashes and the response after mistakes like tonight. Are you worried about the overall production. Or is this simply part of the normal development curve in year one.

Where do you stand on his progress at this point in the season?