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Winnipeg Jets Promote Intriguing Prospect to the NHL
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- Winnipeg Jets Promote Intriguing Prospect to the NHL
USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
The Winnipeg Jets have been one of the NHL's biggest surprise teams in 2026/27, with a 4-2-2 record through their first eight games having them right in the hunt for a Staley Cup Playoffs spot in the Central Division.
Like most teams, they've not been without injuries and controversy however, and while the major focus of the organization currently surrounds Connor Hellebuyck, they've quietly promoted one of their most exciting prospects to the NHL.
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Brayden Yager Gets His Opportunity in the NHL With the Jets
Apr 16, 2026; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Brayden Yager (29) looks to pass the puck against San Jose Sharks defenseman John Klingberg (3) during the second period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images
Last year, Brayden Yager, the player the Jets acquired in the Rutger McGroarty trade, made his first appearance in the NHL for the Jets, going scoreless in three games with the struggling team. He earned that promotion with 10 goals and 30 points in 68 games played, but in 2026/27, he's taken a huge leap in the American Hockey League with the Manitoba Moose.
This year, Yager has posted 5 goals and 9 points in just six games played, and at 21-years-old, this may be his time to make the full-time jump to the NHL, with the Jets making his recall official on Monday.
UPDATE: We've recalled Brayden Yager from the @ManitobaMoose ✈️ pic.twitter.com/TNK0vHXUfA
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) October 19, 2026
Given his size at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, there could potentially be some limitations on Yager at the next level, but given his start to the new season and the Jets desire to get younger, he is a perfect fit for the organization's middle-six moving forward.
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Where Will Brayden Yager Play for the Jets?
As of right now though, it's unclear where Yager will slot into the Jets lineup, but after giving Viggo Bjorck an opportunity early in the year, Winnipeg are clearly open to giving their youth chances, with several lines potentially needing a shakeup.
After a hot start to the year, the Jets have lost three of their past four games, and in that time, they've managed three or less goals in three of those games, and given the production down in the AHL, the team simply couldn't deny recalling Yager. Ultimately, this is a Jets team that many expected to re-tool this off-season, especially with the situation involving Hellebuyck, but right now, if they can get younger and keep winning, the 2026/27 season could be key to the future in Winnipeg.
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