Winnipeg Jets Top Prospect Shockingly Traded in Blockbuster Deal
PUBLICATION
Tom Banks
December 2, 2024 (3:30 PM)
This off-season, the Winnipeg Jets ended months of speculation by trading Rutger McGroarty, and in return they landed the Pittsburgh Penguins top prospect, a former first-round pick Brayden Yager.
The 2023 No. 14 overall pick is no slouch himself however, as Yager ended last season with 35 goals and 95 points in 57 games played with the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL.
This season, he has put together 11 goals and 30 points in 21 games played, but in shocking fashion, he has now been traded alongside Jackson Unger in a shocking deal that will send him to the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes announced the deal with full details on the trade here:
"Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club announced Monday the acquisition of 2005-born forward Brayden Yager and 2005-born goaltender Jackson Unger from the Moose Jaw Warriors in exchange for 2006-born forward Landen Ward 2005-born goaltender Brady Smith, the WHL playing rights to 2009-born defenceman Colt Carter and six draft picks.
The selections include a first-round and a third-round pick in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, a fourth-round and fifth-round pick in the 2026 draft and an additional first-round and second-round draft pick in the 2028 WHL Draft."
In the move, Moose Jaw will land six draft picks, including two first-round picks alongside three promising young players, the best of which is 2006 born forward Landen Ward.
The deal is a shocking one, but given the value that Yager will bring to Lethbridge, it's certainly one that could pay off in a huge way for the Hurricanes as they look to move up from seventh spot in the standings.
Bringing in Yager and Unger will be a big boost for this team, as they look to finally stand up and make an impact in the WHL, but for now, Jets fans will keep a close eye on this as they follow the development of one of their top prospects.
POLL |
DECEMBRE 2 | 241 ANSWERS Winnipeg Jets Top Prospect Shockingly Traded in Blockbuster Deal Will Brayden Yager be a star at the NHL level for the Winnipeg Jets? |
Yes | 155 | 64.3 % |
No | 86 | 35.7 % |
List of polls |
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