The Winnipeg Jets and Pittsburgh Penguins completed a trade on Thursday involving forward prospects. The Jets acquired Brayden Yager in exchange for Rutger McGroarty’s rights. Yager, 19, was the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft and had an impressive season with 35 goals and 60 assists in 57 regular-season games for Moose Jaw, contributing to their Western Hockey League title win. On the other hand, McGroarty, the Jets’ first-round pick in 2022, had a notable college season with 16 goals and 36 assists in 36 games for Michigan last year. Both players also participated in the world junior hockey championships in Sweden, with McGroarty leading the United States to a gold medal as captain, scoring five goals and four assists. Yager represented Canada and recorded two goals and three assists as they finished fifth in the tournament.

The trade between the Jets and Penguins involved promising young talents with strong performances in their respective leagues and on the international stage. It will be interesting to see how Yager and McGroarty continue to develop in their new teams.