NHL Rumors: Teams Talking to Winnipeg Jets About Rutger McGroarty’s Rights
NHL Watcher: Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast: “I’ve heard that his name has come up in trade talks, that the Jets have discussed a trade and other teams have discussed acquiring McGroarty’s rights”
Ken Wiebe: “This really adds another layer to the 2024 NHL Draft next week in Las Vegas. I #NHLJets The first round pick and fourteenth pick in 2022 said in April after the NCAA Frozen Four that he was returning to the University of Michigan for his junior season. “
NHL rumors: Ilya Mikheyev, Martin Necas, and the Toronto Maple Leafs
Murat Ates: “Great opportunity. The implication is re-concern: signing him. We’ll see where it goes and what we can uncover. This won’t be a small trade if it goes that way.
McGroarty is coveted for many reasons, taken 14th overall in 2022, and has taken such steps forward that I consider him Winnipeg’s top prospect.
It could be a way into the first round of the WPG next week.”
Murat Ates of Athletic: A league source said Rutger McGroarty will likely be traded. Since his NCAA season ended, his long-term vision for his future with the Winnipeg Jets has changed.
The Jets wanted to sign him in April but would not guarantee him playing time. He watched many of his teammates this year and ended up signing deals and playing quickly. The Jets didn’t think he was ready to commit and wouldn’t commit him to the program next season.
The source said that McGroarty feels that coming to the NHL is best for him to be with another team.
McGroarty has good value and could give them a high first round pick if they want to go that route. They could look for a senior who is ready to do something, or they could try a top-four defenseman or a second-line center package.
A trade will likely happen before the draft.
Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press: The Winnipeg Jets and Rutger McGroarty’s cap don’t seem to match McGroarty’s career. The Jets may have to look to trade his rights or risk losing him for nothing if he chooses not to sign with them.
Back in April he said he wanted to go back to school next year and not go pro. There has been speculation that he might not want to sign with the Jets when he is ready to leave school.
The source said “He’s an NHLer. They will regret it,” adding that it is a business and they will do it if they have to.
Sources say McGroarty thinks he won’t be able to make the Jets’ schedule right away and may have to go to the AHL first, and the Jets are saying as much. The source adds, “Winnipeg needs to revisit its development plan.”
NHL Rumors: Calgary Flames, Utah, Short-term with high AAVs
The Jets control McGroarty’s rights for two more years, so perhaps there could be a change of heart.
Could the Columbus Blue Jackets be interested in Adam Fantilli’s best friend? Carolina Hurricanes want to trade Martin Necas?
