The Winnipeg Jets and University of Michigan forward Rutger McGroarty have been on the verge of a divorce for some time. On Thursday, the deal became final. The Jets traded McGroarty to Pittsburgh in a rather surprising trade of top talent.
McGroarty, 20, was considered the Jets’ top talent. He captained the U.S. team that won gold medals at the World Junior Championship last season and, despite a fairly serious injury, scored 52 points (16 goals, 36 assists) in 36 games. He is a power forward who the Jets drafted 14th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Already in June his name appeared in transfer rumors before the draft. Murat Ates from The athlete wrote: “The league source told The Athletic that McGroarty believes his path to the NHL is best with another organization..” On April 16, he surprised many by committing to play his junior season at Michigan, despite teammates Gavin Brindley and Frank Nazar Signing with the Blue Jackets and Blackhawks, respectively. There are now signs that McGroarty could turn pro and join the Penguins for training camp.
The Jets will get forward Brayden Yager back as part of the deal. Yager, 19, was selected 14th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft and scored 95 points in 57 games for Moose Jaw in the WHL last season. On Wednesday, NHL.com ranked Yager as Pittsburgh’s most promising player, estimating that he would be a NHL prospect next season.
I’ve said this before, but I would have loved to see the Blackhawks acquire McGroarty. But considering the cost, any dialogue GMKD could have had with its division rivals in Winnipeg probably began – and ended – with either Nazar or Oliver Moore.
One of the things McGroarty will need to work on at the next level is his skating. Considering this is one of the key pieces the Blackhawks have drafted since GMKD acquired, even moving one of this year’s first-round picks – Sacha Boisvert or Marek Vanacker – was also unlikely.
