The Winnipeg Jets and Pittsburgh Penguins completed a 1 for 1 trade on Thursday, as each club swapped top prospects from the 2022 & 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Heading to Pittsburgh is former Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty (14th overall in 2022), while the Penguins will ship out forward Brayden Yager (14th overall in 2023). The move comes on the heels of negotiations between McGroarty and Winnipeg stalling out after the American born forward and the club couldn’t come to terms on an entry level contract.
Following the announcement of the trade, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas released a statement saying “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. Rutger possesses the combination of ability, leadership and competitiveness that the Penguins need to achieve our goals in the short and long run. We look forward to welcoming Rutger and his family to the city of Pittsburgh and the Penguins.”
McGroarty, 20, recently wrapped up his 2nd season at the University of Michigan, where he’s amassed 34 goals, and 57 assists (91 points) across 75 collegiate games. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Wolverines standout was captain of the American World Junior team and was viewed as a key piece of the Jets future moving forward.
However, McGroarty and his agent expressed “concern” about what a future in Winnipeg might look like, which led to him holding out from signing his ELC. Enter, Brayden Yager.
The Moose Jaw Warriors forward wrapped up another successful junior season in the WHL tallying 95 points (35G, 60A) across 57 contests. Born in Saskatoon, SK, the 6′ forward is well versed with what life on the Prairies of Canada is like.
McGroarty could potentially crack the Penguins roster this season as they look to reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 campaign. Meanwhile, Yager might be another year away from truly challenging for an NHL roster spot, however remains a blue chip prospect in the Jets farm system nevertheless.
At a minimum, the versatile two way forward will likely get an extended look by the front office in the preseason and during training camp this year.
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