With the 2024 World Junior Championship right around the corner, the Pittsburgh Penguins will see three of their top prospects representing their native countries.
While Penguins prospects Emil Pieniniemi and Kalle Kangas will be features on the Team Finland blue line, a lot of eyes will be on arguably the top prospect in the Penguins’ system.
Brayden Yager is set to be one of the top centers on Team Canada, and according to the Athletic, one of the top prospects to watch in the entire tournament.
In their ranking of the top 25 prospects at the tournament, the Athletic labeled Yager 18th on the list ahead of other key NHL prospects like Nate Danielson and Denton Mateychuk.
Our setup for the Swiss! ⚔️
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) December 22, 2023
Notre sélection pour affronter la Suisse! ⚔️#WorldJuniors | #MondialJunior pic.twitter.com/qkJ8by1L1d
Yager earned his spot in the rankings and on Team Canada thanks to his stellar play to kick off the 2023-24 season with the Moose Jaw Warriors in the WHL.
In 28 games played, Yager has picked up 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 total points.
On Team Canada, Yager has been penciled in as the third line center with Easton Cowan and Matthew Wood on his wings.
Yager did not record a point in Team Canada's 6-3 pre-tournament match against Team Switzerland.
The 2024 World Junior Championship kicks of on December 26 and it won't take long for the Penguins to take notice.
Yager's Team Canada and Pieniniemi and Kangas' Team Finlad square off that day.
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