Jets Recall Brayden Yager

The Winnipeg Jets have quickly filled Brad Lambert’s roster spot after passing him through waivers yesterday. According to a team announcement, the Jets recalled forward Brayden Yager from the Manitoba Moose in the AHL.

Winnipeg acquired Yager, 21, from the Pittsburgh Penguins a few years ago. It was a prospect-for-prospect swap. The Jets sent the 14th overall pick of the 2022 NHL Draft, Rutger McGroarty, to the Penguins for Yager, who was the 14th overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft.

The Saskatoon, SK, native began the 2024-25 season with the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors, scoring 11 goals and 30 points in 21 games with a -3 rating after the trade. Yager was eventually traded within the WHL, finishing the season with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, scoring 14 goals and 52 points in 33 games with a +8 rating. The Medicine Hat Tigers eliminated Lethbridge in the WHL Eastern Conference Final.

Yager jumped to the professional ranks last season, spending much of the season with AHL Manitoba. It was a quality year, with Yager finishing with 10 goals and 30 points in 68 games with a -15 rating. He also registered four assists in seven postseason contests.

Although it was a small sample size, the Jets recalled Yager in late April for his NHL debut after they were eliminated from postseason contention. His debut was largely insignificant, as he went scoreless in three games with a net-zero rating. Yager won six of 19 faceoffs.

This season, he has found another level offensively, likely leading to today’s call-up. In 10 games for the Moose, Yager has registered seven goals and 12 points with a +5 rating. He is tied for second on the team in scoring.

If Yager can continue his offensive production, he will be a boon for the Jets. Winnipeg is struggling on offense, averaging 2.44 Goals For per Game (30th) and a 17.02% powerplay success rate (25th).