Kyle Dubas makes statement after trading top prospect Brayden Yager

The Jets and Penguins sent a shockwave throughout the NHL on Thursday, as the two teams swapped former 14th overall picks, with Brayden Yager heading to Winnipeg, and Rutger Mcgroarty heading to Pittsburgh.

Mcgroarty made it incredibly clear to the Jets that he did not want to play there, leaving the Jets in a tough spot, however acquiring Brayden Yager should give Jets fans plenty of hope. Kyle Dubas had nothing but positive things to say about Yager in a statement made after the trade.

Dubas said the Penguins held Yager in high regard, not only as a player but as a person as well, before continuing on to speak about Mcgroarty.

Dubas seems very impressed my Mcgroarty's combination of toughness, leadership, and skill, traits that Mcgroarty will look to translate to the NHL next season as the Penguins look to return to the NHL playoffs.

Mcgroarty, 20, has enjoyed two very successful seasons at Michigan University, where he posted 91 points in just 75 games played, while also posting 19 points in 17 games at the World Juniors for team USA, winning gold and bronze medals in the process. He looks to be NHL ready, and could help the Penguins immensely.

Yager, 19, is coming off a tremendous season in the WHL that saw his team, the Moose Jaw Warriors, win the memorial cup. Yager had an incredibly impressive 95 points in just 57 games played, adding 27 points in just 20 playoff games.

Yager suited up for Canada at the World Juniors, recording 5 points in 5 games while noticeably being one of Canada's best players. He brings a ton of skill to the Jets prospect pool as they look for him to jump into the lineup within the next few seasons.

This trade has the potential to work wonders for both teams, and Kyle Dubas sure seems to think highly of the young man he acquired on Thursday.