Shortly after receiving an invite to Team Canada’s roster for this year’s World Juniors, Brayden Yager has been traded in a blockbuster deal from the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors to the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The full trade sees Yager, along with Warriors goaltender Jackson Unger, heading to Lethbridge in exchange for defenceman Colt Carter, goaltender Brady Smith, forward Landen Ward, and a slew of draft picks. A 2025 1st round, 2025 3rd round, 2026 4th round, 2026 5th round, 2028 1st round, and a 2028 2nd round pick. It’s a massive haul for the Warriors, with a notable package of draft picks in return.

Yager, 19, was drafted 14th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2023 NHL Draft. He was acquired by the Winnipeg Jets this past offseason in a trade that sent forward prospect Rutger McGroarty to the Penguins.

Over the course of his WHL career, Yager has spent all of his time with the Moose Jaw Warriors, amassing 115 goals, 165 assists, for 280 points in parts of 5 seasons. Notably, he helped lead the Warriors to their first-ever Ed Chynoweth Cup title in franchise history.

In addition, Yager made a mark at the Memorial Cup, registering 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points in four games, and was named to the tournament’s All-Star Team.

So far this season, Yager has been in outstanding form, tallying 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 points in 21 games.