If you would have asked folks earlier this year if they thought they’d be reading an article about the Jets trading one of the top prospects in the system they’d think you were nuts. Of course not they’d say reflecting the fact that it seemed there was a consensus that 2022 1st rounder Rutger McGroarty was basically an “untouchable” in the Winnipeg system.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
There was a smidge of consternation from the fan base when the Nebraska product indicated he would be returning to Michigan for his third year of college hockey. Most anticipated he would turn pro but chalked it up to a kid who wanted to win a championship with the Wolverines where he’d be playing a big role. Although that task would be difficult given some of the talent they lost to the pros.
Of course that all started to change on June 22nd when Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast indicated that McGroarty’s name had come up in trade conversations. And while some suggested this was merely folks calling Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and asking about his prospect’s availability, Friedman did say quite clearly as part of his statement:
“That the Jets have discussed trading and other teams have discussed acquiring McGroarty’s rights”
That means those conversations weren’t one-way.
This led to a flurry of writing from others that basically confirmed that things had changed between the two sides and the 2022 1st rounder was likely to be dealt.
Which brings us to today with the news as per Friedman that they have dealt McGroarty to the Penguins for 6’0, 180 lbs Brayden Yager who is a centre from Saskatoon drafted in 2023 (14th overall). He spent last season with the Moose Jaw Warriors putting up 35 goals and 60 assists for 95 points in 57 games. He was signed to his three-year ELC by Pittsburgh on July 25th.
If McGroarty changes his mind on college and leaves Michigan to sign with Pittsburgh (report says he has but not yet official), Jets fans won’t have to wait long to see him. Penguins come to Winnipeg on October 20th. They go to Pittsbugh on November 22nd.
