Rutger McGroarty Reportedly Seeking Trade From Jets Organization

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.