Penguins assign Rutger McGroarty to AHL which puts a pause on the former Winnipeg Jets draft pick facing his “old” team

Lots of Jets fans had October 21st circled on their calendar as it was scheduled to be the first visit by former Jets 2022 1st rounder Rutger McGroarty to Winnipeg after his desire for a trade was granted back in August when he was dealt to Pittsburgh for 2023 1st rounder Brayden Yager in a one-for-one deal.

Yager impressed at his first training camp in Winnipeg soaking in advice from veterans and showing off the skillset that saw him get drafted 14th overall by the Penguins. However he is seen as a more long-term prospect so he was returned to Moose Jaw with the expectation being we will next see him when his WHL season concludes and he likely gets assigned to the Moose.

On the other hand McGroarty was seen by Pittsburgh as a young prospect who could be of more immediate assistance for a franchise in win-now mode. McGroarty made the Penguins out of training camp but there remained concerns with his skating against NHL talent. This clip of him going up against Max Domi probably didn’t alleviate same.

Today, the Penguins announced McGroarty had been assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to play for Pittsburgh’s minor league club which are also known as the Penguins. This is probably a good move for the Nebraska product as he can develop without the pressure of the NHL.

It also means that McGroarty will not be making the trip to Manitoba with Pittsburgh for the game on Sunday against the Jets. Which also means the sole focus (and probably appropriately so) will be on Bryan Little who is signing a one-day contract to retire as a member of the NHL club of Winnipeg.