BSH Community Draft Board, No. 15: Brayden Yager

Next up in our rankings in another prospect who has scouts all over the place about when he will be drafted, Brayden Yager. The 6’0 165 pound center from the Moose Jaw Warriors in the WHL, is a true “potential” guy in the eyes of most people. He has already shown a lot of promise in his junior career, but the question remains is there more for him to offer.

Pre Draft Rankings

No. 7 by Bob McKenzie

No. 9 by Sportsnet

No. 11 by Central Scouting (North American Skaters)

No. 12 by Corey Pronman

No. 13 by Scott Wheeler

Statistics

What’s to like?

The best part about Yager’s game is probably his shot; he has accumulated 62 goals in 130 games over the last two seasons. While I don’t think he will ever have one of the best shots in the league, I think he can develop into a very consistent 20-30 goal scorer in the NHL.

Another thing to really like about Yager’s game is his motor and the fact that he is always moving his feet. He’s not the best skater but his feet are always moving, including in the defensive zone. While this is something that sometimes leads to him being out of position, the potential is there for him to be a really good two way center.

What’s not to like?

If Yager wants to be a true two-way center in this NHL he will need to add some weight during his development. More so for the defensive end and winning board battles than anything in the offensive end.

His passing isn’t elite but he always seems to make the smart play and doesn’t usually turn it over in his own end. He trust his teammates more than himself to make the play that leads to a goal. This is something that I think he could really develop in the next few years to tru;y prove himself as a top six player in the NHL.

How would he fit in the Flyers system?

He definitely needs some time to marinate in the minor leagues before he is ready for the NHL. It had been suggested that some time spent at wing might do him some favors, so he can really develop his offensive skills. He has the ability to be a top six player in the NHL, with a draft this loaded the question remains is it worth the risk?

Can the Flyers actually get him?

I expect Yager to be there when the Flyers step up to the podium. He’s an exciting prospect but not that exciting that I expect a team to reach for him, especially in a draft as loaded as this one. He has a lot of promise to his game but the star ability is not guaranteed. He may be better suited for a team like the Detroit Red Wings or the Buffalo Sabres, where the star talent is already in place and in the farm system, as opposed to the Flyers who are still searching for that top player.

What the scouts are saying

“The Moose Jaw Warrior centre has all the tools to be a well-rounded No. 1, at worst high-end No. 2, NHL centre who can impact the game in every way — offensively, defensively, goal scoring and playmaking”- Bob McKenzie, TSN

“Brayden Yager, seemingly one of the more polarizing names thus far, brings with him a straight line, puck dominant style of play that for myself is hard to overlook. Yager gets around the ice in all areas very well thanks to his elite ability to see plays unfolding.”- Ben Jordan, Smaht Scouting

“He plays with a lot of speed and energy, showing the ability to carry pucks up the ice and make skilled plays with pace. He’s not the biggest center, but Yager plays hard, showing a commitment to making plays without the puck and winning a lot of battles.”-Corey Pronman, The Athletic

Our next addition to the poll is yet another winger, it’s Samuel Honzek!

He’s a big winger whose game really fit right from the get-go on North American ice, quickly establishing himself as a go-to player in all situations for the Giants (even though he was an underager, Slovakia was playing him a ton early on in the world juniors, too). He skates quite well for his size, he’s got good hands and dexterity, he’s got great feel and sense for the pressures that exist on the ice, and he’s by all accounts a great teammate and kid who is coachable and pays attention to the details of the game. There’s a lot of belief out there that he’s going to be a well-rounded middle-six NHLer and maybe more. – Scott Wheeler, The Athletic

Who should be No. 16 on the Community Draft Board?

Previously on the 2023 Community Draft Board…