Hurricanes acquire Brayden Yager, Jackson Unger from Warriors in 11–piece blockbuster deal

Yager was also drafted 14th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, but was traded to the Winnipeg Jets on August 22, 2024.

Yager says he is excited to come to Lethbridge and get another shot to compete for a championship.

Yager 1

The trade came on the same day that Yager was also selected to Team Canada’s selection camp ahead of the 2025 World Junior Hockey Championships. Yager added, “Its 1:00 in the afternoon, and its been one of the longest days of the year so far.”

In Unger, the Hurricanes further solidify their crease by picking up a goaltender fresh off a 35 win season for the Warriors. He had a 3.08 goals against average (GAA) and a .908 save percentage in the regular season with three shutouts.

In the playoffs, Unger was outstanding for the team, going 16-1-2 with a 2.90 GAA and a .910 save percentage. His performance in the playoffs helped his team claim the Ed Chynoweth Cup for the first time in franchise history, earning them a trip to the Memorial Cup.

Unger says he will bring a sturdy veteran presence to the Hurricanes.

Unger added that coming to a new team with familiar faces from Moose Jaw in Yager and Vojtech Port, who the Hurricanes acquired on November 15, will help make the transition smoother.

In Smith and Ward, the Hurricanes are dealing two players to Moose Jaw who were each in their second full seasons with the team. Smith had taken over the starting goalie position in October after the Hurricanes traded Harrison Meneghin to Medicine Hat, while Landen Ward had established himself as a physical presence on the ice, and was invited to Ottawa Senators rookie camp this season.

Hurricanes GM Peter Anholt says it was a hard decision to get rid of Smith and Ward, but he realizes in order to get players of the caliber of Yager and Unger, he had to give talent in return.

“It’s tough to trade good people and important pieces of your team at any point, especially now,” said Anholt. “Both Brady and Landen have been key guys in their role for our team over the last two years and were important in helping us, not only make the playoffs last year, but have a good start to the season this year. Both the Ward and Smith families have also been outstanding. They have been great supporters of our program and first-class people in their time with our organization.”

Carter was drafted by the Hurricanes in the sixth round, 132nd overall in the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft. In his draft year, Carter led the AEHL U15 league in scoring by a defenceman with 55 points, and helped Alberta capture the 2024 WHL Cup in Red Deer.

Unger and Yager’s first game with the Hurricanes will be a unique situation, as they are facing the Warriors on Tuesday, December 3.

Unger says it will be a strange feeling, but he feels good about it, having faced lots of shots in practice from his former teammates.

Puck drop for Tuesday’s game is at 7:00.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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by Christian Oldale

Hurricanes acquire Brayden Yager, Jackson Unger from Warriors in 11–piece blockbuster deal

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