Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff revealed to the media, including Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press, that despite multiple inquiries, Rutger McGroarty’s camp never provided a reason for the 2022 first-round pick’s reluctance to sign with Winnipeg. When news first emerged about McGroarty’s desire to leave Winnipeg before the draft, a league source informed Murat Ates of The Athletic that McGroarty believed another organization would offer a better path to the NHL. Ates reported that the Jets preferred McGroarty to play in the AHL during the 2024-25 season, a plan McGroarty opposed, leading him to return to the University of Michigan for his junior year. However, after being traded to the Penguins, he reversed his decision and signed his entry-level contract immediately.
Cheveldayoff’s openness about discussions with McGroarty’s agent, Pat Brisson, suggests that the tension between McGroarty and the Jets was not a new issue, even though it wasn’t publicly addressed until recently. Both Brisson and McGroarty indicated that the player’s reservations about signing with Winnipeg began after his first development camp with the team, as conveyed by Cheveldayoff. Despite the situation, the Jets benefited from McGroarty’s outstanding play at the University of Michigan, which allowed them to secure a strong return in the trade. McGroarty, a versatile forward who can play both center and left wing, had an impressive 2023-24 season, finishing second in scoring for the Wolverines with 52 points (16 goals, 36 assists) in 36 games and a +17 rating. He also captained the U.S. team at the World Junior Championship, where he scored nine points in seven games, leading the Americans to a gold medal.
Rutger McGroarty
One of McGroarty’s notable but less-discussed achievements during his college career was his ability to maintain a physical playing style while minimizing penalty minutes. During his draft year with the U.S. National U18 Development Team, he accumulated 65 penalty minutes in 54 games, but in two years at Michigan, he only logged 24 penalty minutes in 75 games. Although losing McGroarty is a significant blow, the Jets managed to acquire another top forward prospect in Brayden Yager as part of the trade. While Yager may not be as NHL-ready as McGroarty, the 19-year-old could fill Winnipeg’s long-standing need for a second-line center as early as the 2025-26 season. Yager posted 95 points in 57 games with the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors and played a crucial role in leading them to their first WHL championship last year. He is expected to get a serious look during training camp and could potentially make the opening night roster. The Jets might consider a nine-game trial for Yager to avoid burning the first year of his entry-level contract if he isn’t ready for a full NHL season.
Additionally, Winnipeg gains a player eager to return to his Central Canada roots. Yager, a Saskatchewan native, expressed his excitement about joining the team, noting the special atmosphere of the Winnipeg fan base, especially during the playoffs with the famous whiteout.
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