Penguins Return First-Round Pick Brayden Yager to Moose Jaw

The Pittsburgh Penguins have pared their training camp roster to 46 healthy players by sending forward Brayden Yager, their first-round choice in the 2023 NHL Draft, back to his junior team, Moose Jaw of the Western Hockey League.

Yager had a solid showing during the first week of camp and in the development camp and prospects tournament that preceded it, but was not expected to seriously contend for a spot on the NHL roster in 2023-24.

His departure leaves the Penguins with 25 forwards, 16 defensemen and five goaltenders in camp, along with six players who are sidelined by injuries.

Sam Poulin, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ No. 1 pick in 2019, is among those still contending for a spot on the major-league roster while their 2022 first-rounder, defenseman Owen Pickering, is among those sidelined by injury.