Brayden Yager is set to be a sponge.

As the Winnipeg Jets top forward prospect prepares for his second training camp since he was acquired in a deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins for Rutger McGroarty in August 2024, Yager knows that he’s going to be cutting his teeth in the professional ranks this season.

At this time last September, Yager had a lot on his plate, as he was getting to know a new organization after dealing with being traded for the first time in his life — before he’d even played a regular-season game for a Penguins team that chose him 14th overall in the 2023 NHL draft.

“Last year, there was a lot going on,” said Yager. “This year, you’re a lot more comfortable and you’re familiar with lots of the young prospects. Going through camp last year, you’re familiar with lots of

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