Earlier today on 32 Thoughts with Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek, the former indicated that a prospect for the Winnipeg Jets, Rutger McGroarty, had been brought up in trade talks over the last few days. In a follow-up report, Murat Ates of The Athletic wrote an article at length describing that “The league source tells The Athletic that McGroarty feels his path to the NHL is best suited in another organization.”
McGroarty was drafted by the Jets organization with the 14th overall pick of the 2022 NHL Draft after future teammate Frank Nazar went one selection ahead of him to the Chicago Blackhawks. Fast forwarding to this season, McGroarty saw Nazar and teammate Gavin Brindley sign entry-level contracts with their respective teams; while McGroarty committed to the University of Michigan for his junior season on April 16th.
The article from Ates illustrated the disconnect primarily came from the Jets organization and McGroarty disagreeing on his level of play, with the latter firmly believing he could immediately contribute to an NHL lineup. With a passing attempt at signing McGroarty to an entry-level contract once the 2023-24 NCAA ended, Winnipeg was unwilling to make any assurances of playing time to McGroarty, leading to him passing up an entry-level deal.
It is difficult to argue with McGroarty’s position, as he is beginning to look like a bargain pick at 14th overall. This past season with the Wolverines, McGroarty finished with 16 goals and 52 points in 36 games which finished second on his team and was good for 9th in the nation. Although there is never a guarantee that McGroarty would have cracked the Jets’ roster, keeping in hindsight the team is likely moving on from Nikolaj Ehlers and Tyler Toffoli this summer, the team could use a cost-effective addition to their top six.
Due to the reality of a few top-six forwards heading for greener pastures this summer, Winnipeg may opt to move McGroarty for immediate help up front in the form of veteran talent, especially given the fact that they do not appear to think he is ready for big minutes in the NHL. Nevertheless, the Jets organization holds most of the cards in any trade negotiations around McGroarty, as he would still need to complete another two seasons in the NCAA to become an unrestricted free agent.
Given the abundance of time ahead for a solution, the team may opt to hold onto McGroarty in the hopes of repairing the relationship. It was only last summer that all signs indicated that the Jets would be parting ways with both Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck until the organization eventually signed the pair to long-term extensions late in the summer.
Cutter Gauthier
Even if you think he’s not NHL ready, it’s ridiculous for teams to rather have the guy request a trade and lose a highly touted prospect than just give him NHL playtime time.
You are acting like they want him to request a trade.
The people who get paid to make these decisions decided there isn’t room for him in the top 6. You and Rutger feel otherwise.
Couldn’t disagree less.
Primadonna’s are not the people you build championship teams around.
If a 20 year old wants to dictate to experienced NHL coaches and GMs how they will be used it’s a great sign that you should cut bait if you ever want a team first culture. Imagine what his contract negotiations will be like.
PLD 2.0.
I have to agree. It’s not like his numbers scream superstar or even close to be honest. It’s jimmy Vesey all over again. A perennial 25 point player I think McGroarty is better than that but by how much is yet to be determined.
Berggren and a 2nd for this guy! Reel him in Stevie!
Could be some smoke there to reunite Nazar and McGroaty again. The question is would the Hawks trade 18 for him straight up? Would the Jets take 18 straight up? Would the Hawks rather have Hage, Boisvert or Chernyshov or whoever they can get there? Would the Jets take the Hawks 2nd 1st round pick next year and something else? Questions abound.
Kakko for him straight up
Blues first rounder and Saad for this kid
While I’ll be first to criticize the Jets regarding some of their player develep.onet choices, why should a 19 year old bd guaranteed NHL ice time? (Especially late in the year when teams are pushing to make and succeed in thecplayoffs) GM’s and coaches need to prioritize the team and (usually) the drive to win or be competitive. If he’s so confident he’s NHL ready, he should sign his ELC and prove it on the ice. (And yes, I know that’s still no guarantee at times!)
Would be very suprised that the reason mentionned in this article is the real reason
Within 2 years he is a FA. Go to college, earn your degree & then earn your freedom.
This is the way.
I hope more kids start doing this, but there’s risk/reward, as with anything.
Surprised more top prospects haven’t gone the Matthews route to establish themselves as professionals and become millionaires before they sign an NHL deal.
Rutger is going to need to spend some time in the AHL if he turned pro this season. He was pretty average during the college playoffs from my viewing of those games. Another year at Michigan might get him NHL ready for the 25/26 season.
Kaapo and a defense prospect like Zac Jones for Rutger and Chaz Lucius who has taken a step back after losing a season to injury.
Rangers get two young forwards to semi rebuild prospect pool and Winnipeg gets Kaapo who needs a change of scenery to hopefully become the forward he was drafted to be number 2 overall plus a defenseman who can move the puck and be on pp and pk in jones.
The only thing of interest for the Jets from NYR should be Schneider, which I’m sure the Rangers won’t do.
Zegras for McGroarty?
Laine for McGroarty FTW! (•‿•)