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

“The first thought that strikes me is my desire to make the team here in Pittsburgh,” said the 19-year-old forward prospect during the Penguins development camp last month.

Yager, who was chosen as the No. 14 pick by Pittsburgh in the 2023 NHL Draft, contributed significantly to Moose Jaw’s Western Hockey League championship win last season. He scored 95 points, consisting of 35 goals and 60 assists, in 57 regular-season games, and 27 points, including 11 goals and 16 assists, in 20 playoff games.

Yager, who inked a three-year, entry-level contract with Pittsburgh on July 25, feels ready to make another move to the NHL, thanks to that experience.

“Believe me, I can be ready to play,” stated Yager. “My goal is to arrive at the main camp with the mindset of securing a spot on the team and I’m ready to work my hardest. I’ll be competing against some of the finest players on the team. I’m coming in with a single mindset – to make the team.”

It’s not necessarily inevitable, but it’s indeed possible.

“Penguins assistant general manager, Jason Spezza, expressed his belief in not restricting a young player’s potential to join the team. He indicated that it ultimately depends on the player’s performance and readiness. He also noted the significant progress in the player’s ability to handle challenging matchups. Spezza believes that a team’s winning streak, like the one they had in the WHL, serves as an excellent pressure test for a young player,” said Spezza.

Yager (6-foot, 170 pounds) needs to grow more, quite literally. His efforts to gain size over the past year are aimed at improving his performance in face-offs, particularly in the defensive zone.

“Pittsburgh was kind enough to send training coaches down to Moose Jaw,” said Yager. “I had the opportunity to spend time with them and acquire as much knowledge as possible on how to maintain my body weight while still increasing my strength throughout the year.”

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

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

“Every year, I believe you enhance your skills. You always strive for improvement,” stated Yager. “Naturally, your improvement is also influenced by playing with other skilled players. However, I do believe that factors like growing in size and strength, becoming more at ease, and gaining an additional year of experience all contribute to your yearly progress.”

I strive to take immense pride in doing everything possible to improve as a player. I believe, until now, I’ve managed to do quite well in this regard.