What Happened
Following the waiver of Brad Lambert, the Winnipeg Jets announced the recall of Brayden Yager from the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League. Yager, a 21-year-old forward originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, was acquired by Winnipeg in a prospect-for-prospect swap involving Rutger McGroarty. The move addresses Winnipeg's offensive struggles, as the team currently ranks 30th in the league in goals per game. Yager had previously made his NHL debut in April but is now being called up after a strong start to the 2026-27 AHL campaign.
Key Details
- Yager has recorded seven goals and 12 points in ten games this season.
- The recall fills the roster spot vacated by Brad Lambert.
- Yager was acquired from Pittsburgh for Rutger McGroarty.
- Winnipeg is currently 30th in the NHL in goals for per game.
- Yager is tied for second on the Manitoba Moose in scoring.
What It Means
This call-up signals Winnipeg's urgency to address its offensive deficiencies. With the team averaging just 2.44 goals per game and struggling on the power play, Yager's recent scoring surge in the AHL offers a potential immediate boost. His previous limited NHL exposure suggests the organization is testing his readiness to contribute at the professional level amidst a difficult stretch for the Jets.
What's Next
Yager is expected to join the Jets roster immediately to fill the vacancy created by Lambert's waiver. His performance in upcoming games will determine if he remains on the active roster or is sent back to the AHL.