The Pittsburgh Penguins assigned forward Brayden Yager, their first-round selection (No. 14 overall) in this year’s draft, to his junior team, the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
In two games this preseason, Yager had no points and two shots and was 11 for 27 on faceoffs (40.7%) according to Natural Stat Trick.
Yager, 18, was expected to be returned to his junior club. Regardless, management seemed to be satisfied with what the forward displayed during training camp and preseason.
On Sunday afternoon, Yager scored the deciding goal in a 3-2 shootout victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets at PPG Paints Arena.
“My impression is that he’s gotten better every day,” assistant coach Mike Vellucci said following the game. “That’s what we ask of him. … He’s worked on his faceoffs (Saturday). I thought he was really good (Sunday) with his faceoffs. (Defensive) zone coverage, he was very good. Had him out there late in the game and he did a great job. … I love to see what he’s done. … He just seems more and more comfortable every game.”
Last season, Yager was Moose Jaw’s second leading scorer with 78 points (28 goals, 50 assists) in 67 games.
