Bruins Should Look To Acquire Rutger McGroarty From Jets – Hockey Writers –

The NHL draft is scheduled to begin on Friday, June 28, and the frenzy of free agents begins on Monday, July 1. We have already seen a few big trades, with Ryan McDonagh returning to the Tampa Bay Lightning, and New Jersey. Devils bench goaltender Jacob Markstrom. The Linus Ullmark sweepstakes is gaining momentum, with the Ottawa Senators as the heavy favorite. When it comes to the Boston Bruins, there is one player who could deserve to make a big splash.

McGroarty is not happy in Winnipeg

This season, the Philadelphia Flyers and their 2022 draft pick Cutter Gauthier had a disagreement, which led to the Flyers trading Gauthier to the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a 2025 second-round pick. According to Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Winnipeg Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty and the club are in the same situation.

Based on the report, a trade involving McGroarty seems inevitable. He has already shown his disillusionment with the organization and returned to the University of Michigan for his junior season. If he can be found, General Manager Don Sweeney should jump at the chance to get him.

Injecting Youth into the Organization

The Bruins core is well established, led by veterans, captain Brad Marchand and star forward David Pastrnak, while the backfield is led by Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, and Hampus Lindholm. The best part is that four of the five players are homegrown talents who have developed within the organization to become core pieces of the roster. Lindholm came in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks (March 19, 2022) in exchange for Urho Vaakanainen, John Moore, a 2022 first-round pick, and second-round picks in 2023 and 2024. However, the club needs an injection of youth and to overhaul its cabinet.

Related: Bruins Acquire Ehlers to Address Goaltending Needs

Some of the Bruins’ younger players have made big strides, such as Mason Lohrei and Matthew Poitras, but they need more. They need that next wave to come through the organization. This is where McGroarty comes in. Not only is he a good fit for the Bruins, but he will also bring that injection of youth.

There’s a reason McGroarty was selected as high as he was, 14th overall in 2022. He is a versatile striker who can play both in the center and on the left. He also has a gift for attacking, a deadly gun and good playmaking skills. McGroarty is good at handling the puck and his hockey IQ is off the charts.

From the 2021-22 calendar year year, his production saw a rise. McGroarty was the leading scorer in the United States Hockey League, tallying 33 points in 25 games. That same year, he joined the US U18 National Team and dominated. In 54 games, he scored 35 goals and 69 points. He carried this level of play to the NCAA at the University of Michigan.

McGroarty had an impressive college career and was part of Michigan’s star-studded clubs. In his first year at Michigan (2022-23), he scored 18 goals and 39 points. In his sophomore season, he played in fewer games but had an uptick in production, scoring a career-best 18 goals and 36 assists.

Also, he was the top scorer in each game during the World Junior Championships from 2021-2024. He is a promising young talent, making him a challenge for the Bruins to land.

Obstacle to Finding McGroarty

The package the Ducks gave up for Gauthier should reflect what the Bruins will pay — a pick and a young player who can be attached to the roster immediately. Draft picks can be hard to come by for the Bruins with limited assets, especially in the 2024 NHL Draft – they don’t pick until the fourth round. If they want to find McGroarty, they will need to go around.

The Bruins have their 2025 first-round pick but no second-round pick. Sweeney could throw in his 2025 first-round pick or pivot to 2026 and trade their second-round pick for McGroarty. And, depending on the return of the precious goalkeeper Ullmark, they can use the goods from that return to get him. It won’t be easy, but there is a need to fit him in the list and in the organization.

McGroarty Fills a Need

Getting a prospect like McGroarty fills a need. He will help rebuild the prospect pool and give the Bruins some promising young talent. He can also be plugged into the roster and be a building block in the next wave of Bruins hockey.

With Jake DeBrusk’s future and the team uncertain at this point, the Bruins need another productive wing behind Pastrnak. McGroarty has produced and grown his game throughout his career. He will be a worthy piece to add to the list. Definitely worth checking out if you’re a Sweeney.