The Winnipeg Jets have traded Rutger McGroarty, the 2022 14th overall pick, to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for forward prospect Brayden Yager, the teams announced on Thursday.
McGroarty, who was set to join the University of Michigan for the upcoming season, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Penguins following the trade. The contract carries an annual cap hit of $950,000, with additional performance bonuses available, according to PuckPedia.
Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas commented, “We had a difficult decision to make with this trade because we hold Brayden Yager in such a high regard as a person and prospect. After much consideration, we decided that the opportunity to add Rutger McGroarty was ultimately in the best interest of the Penguins. He possesses the combination of ability, leadership, and competitiveness that the Penguins need to achieve our goals in the short and long run.”
In June, reports indicated that the Jets aimed to sign McGroarty but were unable to reach an agreement. Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff noted that McGroarty did not provide a clear reason for his reluctance to join Winnipeg. “I met with Rutger face to face several days later and that was the same response as well,” Cheveldayoff said, as reported by The Athletic’s Murat Ates. “He said that, when he got to development camp here, he put the jersey on, it became real, and it just didn’t feel right at that time.”
McGroarty, considered one of the Jets’ top prospects, had a standout season in 2023-24, recording 52 points in 36 collegiate games and leading the United States to a gold medal at the world juniors.
Yager, the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, had a notable season in the Western Hockey League, amassing 95 points in 57 games and contributing to the Moose Jaw Warriors’ run to the Memorial Cup.
