2023 NHL Draft Diary: Brayden Yager

Brayden Yager of Moose Jaw in the Western Hockey League will file a monthly draft diary for NHL.com this season leading up to the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on June 28-29. The 17-year-old right-shot center (5-foot-10, 166 pounds), a projected first-round selection, has scored nine points (three goals, six assists) in seven games this season. Yager was named Canadian Hockey League Rookie of the Year after scoring 59 points (34 goals, 25 assists) in 63 games in 2021-22.

Hi hockey fans.
It's going to be fun providing you with a monthly diary on what's happening in my life and at Moose Jaw this season. I'm very much looking forward to it.
My parents put me on skates when I was 4 years old and I kind of just developed a love for the game at a young age. I'd sit down and watch NHL games with my dad and mom. My dad (Cam) played goalie for the Detroit Falcons in [1993-94] in the Colonial Hockey League. My brother (Connor) played, and I got the chance to play with him when I was younger in bantam and midget. It was definitely special getting the chance to play with my older brother.
Obviously growing up in Prince Albert (Saskatchewan) the Prince Albert Raiders (Western Hockey League) are a pretty big part of the community, so we had season tickets, and we'd go to the WHL games and watch some pretty special players like Leon Draisaitl (2012-14) and Josh Morrissey (2011-15).
I actually have a signed hockey stick from Draisaitl. I think I was 6 and Draisaitl and Morrissey were on the team. They came out to one of our team practices and we did an all-star competition, had some fun with them. I remember him being in the hallway after the event, untying his skates and I remember asking my dad if I should ask him for a stick. He said, 'Sure, why not?' So I went out and it took a lot of nerves. I remember being super nervous, but I asked him for a stick, and he was really good about it. He said 'Sure' and signed it for me. It had a huge impact on me as a kid and I definitely won't forget that.
When I was in Prince Albert, I remember when Moose Jaw came to town. There was obviously Brayden Point. He was certainly a player that caught my eye right away; he was pretty incredible and was the captain of the team (2014-16). I remember they were pretty loaded when I was younger, so getting a chance to watch him was definitely pretty special. And now to see what he's doing with the Tampa Bay Lightning is incredible, winning a couple of Stanley Cups and being a huge part of that team is great to watch.

I like to think of myself as a fast, smart, 200-foot player who can score goals and be put in any situation, whether it's defending a lead or needing a big face-off or goal. I'm in my third WHL season and have set goals for myself. I think scoring over 100 points, maybe 50 goals, would be cool. I think maintaining a 60 percent face-off winning efficiency is also something to shoot for as well.
Obviously, last year was a memorable season winning CHL rookie of the year. I got the chance to play with some pretty good players like Jagger Firkus (Seattle Kraken, No. 35, 2022 NHL Draft), Denton Mateychuk (Columbus Blue Jackets, No. 12, 2022 draft) and Ryder Korczak (New York Rangers, No. 75, 2021 NHL Draft). I also have to give a lot of credit to my coaches who gave me a lot of opportunities, especially as a young guy.
I actually told my dad before the season that I was going to win CHL Rookie of the Year, but then I kind of forgot about it. I just kind of just let my game speak for itself. It was a goal, but I also didn't want to put too much pressure on myself. I think when I'm at my best, I'm just going out there, playing hockey and loving the game.
We have a new brand and jersey in Moose Jaw this season. Obviously, the city of Moose Jaw loves the Canadian Snowbirds and the Warriors. To have the Snowbirds on our logo is cool, and kind of ties it all together (the new design is inspired by the organization and community's connection with the Royal Canadian Air Force, 15 Wing Moose Jaw, and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, 431 Air Demonstration Squadron). The jerseys look really sharp. I like how there are big stripes, easy to see (the Warriors' classic colors of black, red and white remain). It's going to be a fun season and I look forward to sharing my journey with you each month on NHL.com.
Thanks for reading.
Photos: Marc Smith, Moose Jaw (WHL)
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