Manitoba Moose

Jets prospect Brayden Yager is thriving in his first season with the Manitoba Moose, playing with a level of confidence that makes him look far more seasoned than a first-year pro. Hockey Beginnings Yager grew up in Prince Albert and later Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, raised by parents who worked in federal corrections. He and his older brother, Connor, grew up in a disciplined household — something Yager credits for building early habits that carried into hockey. “They made sure we were always doing chores and stuff, which is good. I think responsibility is good to learn when you're young." His family supported his hockey ambitions fully. When he was just 11, the move to Saskatoon was made with his development in mind, giving him access to better coaching and resources. "I think without it, probably wouldn't have gotten here, because it's tough to get the best people that you can in smaller towns. So, made the move for him, and it ended up working out for all of us. It's not just his dream that came true, it's all of ours. We're super stoked," said Connor on draft night supporting his younger brother. Yager began his junior career with the Moose Jaw Warriors in 2020, producing 18 points in 24 games despite limited usage. From there, his growth was steady and impressive. He posted 59 points in 2021–22, 78 in 2022–23, and a staggering 95 points in 2023–24. Alongside Jagger Firkus, Denton Mateychuk, and Matthew Savoie, Yager’s 27 points in 20 playoff games helped propel the Warriors to their second-ever WHL championship in 2024. Playing in Front of the World Yager’s strong junior seasons earned him major opportunities: a spot on Canada’s World Junior team in 2024 and selection at 14th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2023 NHL Draft. "It's crazy to think I'm part of an NHL club now, I don't even believe it, hopefully that'll settle in," said Yager smiling, in his draft day media availability. He represented Canada in back-to-back tournaments. Though the team failed to medal both years, Yager shined — scoring at a point-per-game pace in 2024 and leading the 2025 squad in scoring. "Playing on home soil was unbelievable, fans were great, probably the best atmosphere a lot of us have ever played in, sucks the way it ended," said Yager after Canada's elimination. Yager signed his first NHL contract with Pittsburgh on July 25th, 2024. Just a month later, in one of the offseason’s most surprising moves, the Winnipeg Jets acquired him in a one-for-one trade for Rutger McGroarty, who had indicated a preference to play elsewhere. "Pretty crazy, kind of shocking, you never expect to get traded especially at this age. Once I found out it was Winnipeg, obviously super excited, Canadian team, parents were super excited, nice and close to home," said Yager on the day he was traded to the Jets. Jets stars Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey reached out to welcome him — a full-circle moment for Yager, who grew up watching Morrissey and Leon Draisaitl with the Prince Albert Raiders. Scheifele also spent quite a bit of time working with him during the two training camps he attended in Winnipeg. Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve) He later finished his junior career with the Lethbridge Hurricanes after Moose Jaw, who had named him captain to start the season dealt him midway through it, recording 82 points in 54 combined games. Time With the Manitoba Moose In his first year as a pro with the Moose, Yager has continued to expand his game, including scoring in his AHL debut. Moose head coach Mark Morrison has been impressed with the progress made by both Yager and fellow Jets prospect Colby Barlow. "We gave them some time early on in the season to get used to the system, to understand the systems, the battle level of the league and just to earn their ice time," said Morrison. "Now they're both on top two and three lines, playing with different players, good veteran players that are helping them along." Yager now centres Brad Lambert and Samuel Fagemo, forming one of Manitoba’s most dynamic lines. Morrison has praised his playmaking vision and comfort level on the power play. Yager has 12 points, is 1-for-1 in shootout attempts, and remains remarkably disciplined, recording zero penalty minutes through 22 games. Photo Credit: Jonathan Kozub/Manitoba Moose "Obviously it's a bit of a jump but you go through preseason, and camp and you're playing at a high speed. I think throughout camp you settle in more, you're not just jumping right into it," said Yager after his first game and how prepared he was for it. Recently, Yager has found another gear, with four points in his last four games, including his first game-winning goal in Chicago — a key piece of a 5–0 Moose victory. A Growing Game and a Steady Mindset Yager’s growth isn’t just showing up on the scoresheet — it’s reflected in the maturity of his game. From the disciplined kid who grew up doing chores in a strict household to a poised young pro with zero penalty minutes through his first 22 games, his approach has remained steady and intentional. And as his confidence continues to build, Yager looks every bit like a player carving out a meaningful path toward the NHL. His first season may only be the beginning, but the foundation he’s laying in Manitoba has all the makings of something much bigger.

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