The Pittsburgh Penguins introduced they’ve assigned prospect Rutger McGroarty to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League. McGroarty, chosen 14th total within the 2022 Draft by the Winnipeg Jets however traded to the Penguins this previous offseason, is a 20-year-old ahead who has hung out at each heart and wing. He’s recognized for his physicality, aggressive drive, and two-way recreation.
The Penguins have assigned ahead Rutger McGroarty to the @WBSPenguins (AHL). pic.twitter.com/rP1YjqNLvS
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 16, 2024
McGroarty made his NHL debut for the Penguins on Oct. 9 in opposition to the New York Rangers, logging 12:20 of ice time and recording a single shot with out registering a degree. Within the two video games that adopted, he was additionally held off the scoresheet.
In his first three NHL video games, McGroarty managed simply two pictures on purpose, averaging 11:37 of ice time per recreation. He primarily performed on a line with Lars Eller and Jesse Puljujarvi, however the trio failed to attain a purpose and conceded one.
Earlier than becoming a member of the Penguins, McGroarty tallied 52 factors (16 objectives, 36 assists) with the College of Michigan final season. He additionally contributed 9 factors (5 objectives, 4 assists) as captain of the USA under-20 crew on the 2024 World Junior Championship, the place they gained gold. Many anticipated McGroarty would be part of the Winnipeg Jets or their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, for the 2024-25 season, however a contract and growth path dispute led to the franchise buying and selling their prime prospect.
The Jets acquired Brayden Yager in alternate for McGroarty, and the Saskatoon native is as much as seven factors (4 objectives and three assists) in 5 video games with the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League. Evident within the Penguins’ determination to ship McGroarty to the AHL, each children want growth earlier than breaking via within the NHL, proving the winner of this commerce is but to be determined.
