Jets fans chant "U.S. Backup" to Jake Oettinger If things weren't hectic enough yet for former Moose Jaw Warriors captain Brayden Yager, they most certainly are now. Having been dealt from the Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/] in a one-for-one-deal with the Winnipeg Jets [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets/] for Rutger McGroarty this offseason, the Saskatoon product enjoyed training camp with his new club in a much closer geographical location than last season. The 19-year-old said all the right things at Jets camp and instantly took control of fans' hearts, following the demise of McGroarty. He was sent back to the Warriors, where he captained the team to a difficult 6-15-2-2 record - good for 10th in an 11-team Western Conference. On Monday, Yager and starting goaltender Jackson Unger were dealt to Lethbridge in a blockbuster deal involving three other players and six draft picks. Returning to Moose Jaw for the two top-end players are Landon Ward, Brady Smith, Colt Carter, two first round picks, and one second, third, fourth and fifth round pick. Incredibly, his first contest with the Hurricanes will be on Tuesday against his former club, as the Warriors roll into town for an 8:00 PM showdown. “We’re very excited to be able to add Brayden to our group,” Hurricanes' GM Peter Anholt said. “He is one of the premier players in junior hockey, he’s a World Junior guy and knows what it takes to win at our level. He is going to be a great addition and is going to help our team one very way.” In his 21 games for the Warriors, Yager has 11 goals and 30 points. The 2023 14th overall selection will now join a Hurricanes team that sits seventh in the conference at 12-10-1-1. This, his fifth season in the WHL, Yager has scored 115 times and has 280 points, while helping his former club earn the league championship for the first time. He scored three goals and six points in four Memorial Cup games, serving as a member of the tournament's all-star team. Earlier in the day, Yager received news that he would be offered a spot at the Canadian World Junior Selection Camp, set to begin in a week's time on December 10. He was the only Jets prospect to receive such an invite to Canada's camp, leaving out fellow forward Colby Barlow. He was one of 12 WHL players to get such a phone call, and will make the trip to Ottawa for the December 10-13 spectacle. Yager played on the team last year, alongside two other camp invitees. The team will suit up against the U-Sports All-Stars in exhibition games on December 12 and 13. Pre-tournament games will occur against Switzerland, Sweden and Czechia on December 19. 21, and 23. The tournament will begin for Canada from Ottawa on Boxing Day against Finland.
