The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a big move for their organization by signing Rutget McGroarty from the Winnipeg Jets. McGroarty, a 20-year-old winger who was the Jets’ first-round pick in 2022, is a powerful winger with an incredible goal-scoring instinct. The Pens had to trade away their top prospect to get him, but they believe the addition of McGroarty was too important to pass up.
McGroarty recently arrived in Pittsburgh to prepare for his first professional season with the Penguins. He spoke to the media about the transfer, his plans for the season and his game in general.
One thing he didn’t mention was what jersey number he’ll be wearing when he leads the Penguins out of training camp. But Pens fans and McGroarty fans can rejoice because we now know what number the young forward will be wearing with his new team.
According to NHL Jersey Numbers, McGroarty plans to continue wearing a familiar number. With the Penguins, he will wear jersey number 2, the same number he wore for the past few seasons at the University of Michigan.
“F Rutger McGroarty will wear jersey number 2 for the Pittsburgh Penguins,” they wrote. “Number last worn by Chad Ruhwedel in 2023-2024.”
F Rutger McGroarty will wear jersey number 2 for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The number was last worn by Chad Ruhwedel in 2023-24. #LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/8nQCx9u6UA
— NHL Jersey Numbers (@NHLNewNumbers) 29 August 2024
McGroarty comes into the Penguins organization as one of the league’s top prospects. He was a consistent scoring threat at the University of Michigan. In two seasons as a Wolverine, he appeared in 75 games, scoring 34 goals and 91 points. Last year, as a sophomore, his offense exploded, with 16 goals and 52 points in 36 games.
He also just captained the U.S. junior team at the recent World Junior Championships. The U.S. played a fantastic tournament as McGroarty led his teammates, scoring nine points in seven games to earn the U.S. team a gold medal.
With the jersey number, McGroarty is one step closer to making the Penguins roster next season. He still has a lot to prove to earn a spot on the roster, but there’s no doubt the Pens have big plans for their newest forward.
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