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Penguins May Have Made Serious Mistake in Brayden Yager Trade After Latest Update

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Jack Sutherland
May 29, 2025 (11:06)

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The Pittsburgh Penguins traded prospect Brayden Yager to the Winnipeg Jets, but in hindsight, that may prove to be a mistake, considering the production he's put up since the deal.

The Pittsburgh Penguins decided to trade prospect Brayden Yager, whom they took with the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, to the Winnipeg Jets in return for the signing rights for prospect Rutger McGroarty.

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McGroarty made his NHL debut with the Penguins near the end of the season, and figures to have a strong chance to make the regular roster when the team gathers for training camp in the fall.

But was it a mistake to give up on Yager so soon, especially before he got a chance to suit up for the Penguins? Based on his production this year after the move, an argument could be made.

Yager, who was traded at the WHL level from the Moose Jaw Warriors to the Lethbridge Hurricanes, had 52 points (14G, 38A) in just 33 games played. He then followed that up with 14 points (8G, 6A) in 16 playoff games.

Additionally, he was also named the captain of the Canadian squad during the World Juniors.

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His scouting report via Elite Prospects reads as follows:

The puck absolutely explodes off his stick, no matter how compromised his body positioning appears to be during release. He rips it off either leg in just about way: two-touch, one-timer, and catch-and-release. His inside leg wrister is his signature shot, tipping his weight over his outside edge while somehow keeping his chest up and exploding through the shot. He takes every single puck directly into his shooting pocket, prepared for the next play.

Previously on HockeyUnplugged

Penguins Likely Out of the Running to Trade for Top Young Star Center

Former Pittsburgh Head Coach Mike Sullivan Sends a New Message to Penguins Fans

Top NHL Insider Confirms Who Will Be The Next Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach

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Penguins May Have Made Serious Mistake in Brayden Yager Trade After Latest Update

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded prospect Brayden Yager to the Winnipeg Jets, but in hindsight, that may prove to be a mistake, considering the production he's put up since the deal.

Did the Penguins make a mistake by trading Brayden Yager?