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CRANBERRY, Pa. — Brayden Yager has a clear goal in mind for training camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins in September.

“During last month’s Penguins development camp, the 19-year-old forward prospect said, ‘The first thing that comes to mind is my desire to make the team here in Pittsburgh.'”

Yager, who was chosen as the No. 14 pick by Pittsburgh in the 2023 NHL Draft, had an impressive record last season. He scored 95 points, with 35 goals and 60 assists, during 57 regular-season games and contributed 27 points, including 11 goals and 16 assists, in 20 playoff games. His performance was instrumental in Moose Jaw’s victory in the Western Hockey League championship.

Yager, who inked a three-year, entry-level contract with Pittsburgh on July 25, believes that his past experience has readied him for another advancement in the NHL.

“Believing that I can be prepared to play,” Yager expressed, “My aim is to arrive at the main camp with the attitude of securing my place on the team and being at ease with giving my utmost effort and competing against some of the team’s top players. I am entering with the intention of making the team.”

It’s not necessarily inevitable, but it is a possibility.

“Indeed, I’d never wish to hinder a young player’s potential to join the team,” said Jason Spezza, Assistant General Manager of the Penguins. “Thus, it’s in his hands how he presents himself and performs. We did, however, observe substantial development in his capacity to handle challenging matches. When a team embarks on a winning streak as they did in the WHL, it serves as an excellent pressure test for a young player.”

Yager (6-foot, 170 pounds) has been striving to add size over the past year to potentially improve his performance in face-offs, particularly in the defensive zone. However, further growth is still required.

“Pittsburgh was kind enough to send training coaches down to Moose Jaw,” said Yager. “I was able to spend time with them and absorb as much knowledge as possible on maintaining my body weight while still gaining strength throughout the year.”

The increase in production last season was partially due to this. Yager’s 95 points showed an increase from 78 (28 goals, 50 assists) in 67 games for Moose Jaw the previous season and 59 (34 goals, 25 assists) in 63 games in the 2021-22 season.

Yager expressed his hope for this natural progression to continue, leading to a spot on the Penguins’ NHL roster.

Yager expressed, “I believe you improve with each passing year, striving for as much progress as possible. Clearly, playing alongside skilled players who are also advancing is a factor. However, I believe that factors like physical growth, increased strength, growing comfort levels, and becoming a year older all contribute to yearly improvements.”

“I strive to take great pride in doing everything possible to improve as a player. I believe, up till now, I’ve successfully managed to do that.”