Next week a number of Jets prospects will be in Winnipeg to take part in Development Camp which always follows the NHL Draft. One player who we now know will not be in attendance is 2022 1st rounder Rutger McGroarty which GM Kevin Cheveldayoff advised media who are in Vegas during his post-draft media availability.
One week ago today Elliotte Friedman broke the news on his 32 Thoughts Podcast that the Jets and McGroarty were likely heading for a split. Since that time there’s been endless speculation as to when/if the Jets will deal him and if so what kind of return might they expect.
Yesterday ahead of round 1 GM Kevin Cheveldayoff was asked about McGroarty for the first time since the news broke and said this:
“The Rutger situation here right now, I think for me, I think there’s a time and a place when I’ll comment on something. Rutger’s a prospect within our organization and that’s where it’s at right now.”
Now there was some surprise as the Nebraska product was not dealt on Friday for Winnipeg to get into the 1st round and then the second day of the draft concluded with McGroarty remaining a prospect of the Jets.
Usually the media availability with Kevin Cheveldayoff at the end of day 2 is a time to reflect on how the team drafted, maybe give a sneak peek at free agency and to look ahead to Development Camp when the kids get to Manitoba for the first time.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Courtesy of Winnipeg Sport Talk this is what the Jets GM said:
“I really don’t have an update. Obviously he won’t be at Development Camp coming up here. But I really don’t have an update at this point.”
We had said on today’s Illegal Curve Hockey Show that it would be incredibly awkward for the kid to come to Winnipeg given the reports so this shouldn’t come as a big surprise.
Of course this doesn’t mean there will be a quick resolution to the situation. The team’s focus now shifts to free agency and Development Camp which means this could become a back burner issue for the hockey club of Manitoba.
