Brayden Yager & Jackson Unger are now members of the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes made a massive splash on Monday, acquiring former WHL Rookie of the Year and Winnipeg Jets prospect Brayden Yager, as well as 2023-24 WHL East Division First All-Star Team member Jackson Unger from the Moose Jaw Warriors. In return, the Warriors received forward Landen Ward, netminder Brady Smith, defenceman Colt Carter, two first-round picks (2025, 2028), a second-round pick (2028), a third-round pick (2025), a fourth-round pick (2026), and a fifth-round pick (2026). The Hurricanes currently sit fourth in the Central Division with a record of 12-10-1-1, while Moose Jaw is 6-15-3-1 to start the season. 

The trade comes just hours after Yager was invited to Team Canada's 2025 World Juniors selection camp. In 21 games this season, Yager has 11 goals and 30 points, along with four penalty minutes. As for Unger, he has started the season 4-11-4 and is a year removed from guiding the Warriors to the Memorial Cup. 

In a statement, Hurricanes GM Peter Anholt wrote, “We’re very excited to be able to add Brayden to our group. 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 in every way.... “Jackson is a championship goaltender and him being in the deal was a big part of us making this trade. He’s proven himself as one of the top-end goaltenders in our league, was a first-team all-star last year and we think he is going to steady our goaltending while also being able to help [Koen] Cleaver develop.”

As for Moose Jaw, on top of their picks, they received some players that should help their team this season. Ward is listed at 6'3", 214 pounds, and brings close to 100 games of WHL experience. As for Smith, he has started the season 8-4-2 and should take over as the Warriors starter. Lastly, Carter is an intriguing prospect who has 18 points in 15 games for the St. Albert Raiders U18 AAA of the AEHL U18. 

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