Sam Cosentino on the player: Yager opened eyes as a 16-year-old sniper with the Moose Jaw Warriors in the WHL, potting 34 regular season goals on 188 shots in 63 games, on the heels of 18 per cent shooting, in 2021-22. He added three more goals in his first WHL playoff appearance, too. With goal-scoring expectations increased heading into the 2022-23 campaign, Yager finished with 28 goals on 233 shots this past season. Fewer goals on more shots did have some in the scouting world wondering about his NHL projection. Some of that was answered with a solid playoff showing, where he added six goals on 33 shots in 10 games. And he has shown he can score in all situations.
Even if scouts are concerned about the numbers, the eye-test tells you that Yager has an NHL shot and release. Is he going to be able to get into position to utilize that part of his game often enough in the NHL to have a significant impact?
If nothing else, Yager showed a more well-rounded game, winning more than 52 per cent of his faceoffs and playing with more detail in his own zone. He was relied on to play in tight situations, and responded well. The 2022 CHL Rookie of the Year wore a letter for the Moose Jaw Warriors, for Team White at the CHL/NHL Prospects Game, and with Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky.
Jason Bukala's scouting report: Great hands and excellent vision. Has shown he can impact the game offensively as a shooter and playmaker. Aggressive directing pucks on net. Mechanics of his skating stride are fine, but he requires more strength and an extra gear off the rush.
Average to average-plus in the defensive zone. He identifies his responsibility, but his detail tends to range at times. His element is offence.
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