Rutger McGroarty may get humbled after new report on Penguins training camp

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Liam McCormick
September 28, 2024 (4:10 PM)

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Former Winnipeg Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty requested a trade after being unhappy with his opportunity, but the grass may not be greener in Pittsburgh.

McGroarty was traded from the Jets to the Penguins this offseason. Reports surfaced that McGroarty requested a trade because he hadn't been assured NHL ice time. Now, Dan Kingerski is reporting that the Penguins also don't see him as an NHL player yet, and may send him down.

According to Kingerski, the Penguins have moved down McGroarty to the group of prospects and AHL players in the final stages of training camp.

One glaring observation saw a move down to the group of prospects and minor leaguers for top prospect Rutger McGroarty.
- Dan Kingerski, Pittsburgh Hockey Now

Kingerski continued that the Penguins believe in McGroarty's offensive ability, but think his defensive play will make him a total liability. For these reasons, it's looking more likely that McGroarty gets cut from the roster. If McGroarty is cut, he could return to the University of Michigan or head to the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins of the AHL.

The Winnipeg Jets may come out of this looking like a great trade. The Jets were obviously high on the player after drafting him 14th overall, but the organization seemed to sour on him quickly as he demanded ice time as an unproven prospect. Making that demand and then getting cut from two different NHL rosters may be a tough blow to the ego for McGroarty.

At the same time, McGroarty is undoubtedly a talented prospect that looks to be a sure fire NHL player with a bit more development. He may have a good career, but the Jets seem to be happy without him.