[Penguins] Forwards Avery Hayes and Rutger McGroarty have been re-assigned to the WBS Penguins (AHL).
February 6, 2026
[Penguins] Forwards Avery Hayes and Rutger McGroarty have been re-assigned to the WBS Penguins (AHL).
15 comments
Olympic break, no waivers, keeps em playing.
I assume it’s so they can play during the Olympic break?
This was expected to get them gams over the break. The real question is if they’ll be back up after the break.
kinda surprised Graves isn’t headed down to get some reps during the break too
I was about to say I cry every time, but it’s break time lmao. Half asleep still.
Can’t wait to see more of Hayes
The trade deadline is going to be really interesting for the Penguins. I don’t see them as buyers, but I could see two paths:
a) stand pat and roll with what they have, hoping to make the playoffs, or
b) sell high on one or two guys, knowing they’re loaded with forward depth, and use those trades to shore up other areas, especially the blue line.
I think Rut had a really nice stint this time around. He does a lot of the little things really well and you can see the game is starting to slow down for him more and more. Two points in his last three games is a nice thing to see.
WBS fans about to have a fun month.
Very exciting young core of players. Dubas is cooking. I’m excited about the trade deadline for the first time in a while.
If any “big name” is traded, my money is on Rakell. Decent contract, proven scorer. Just make darned sure he’s traded out west.
Now, if GMKD can move any of: Graves, Dumba, or Kevin Hayes for picks / prospects? We better restart Pittsburgh Steel and contact a sculptor.
I assume there would be some salary retention for the latter three, and that’s a price I’d be willing to pay.
Here’s how I imagine that conversation to send them down went:
* RIIIIING *
RM: “Hello?”
GMKD: “Hey Rutger, how’s it going?”
RM: “Dude – hit pause, it’s Kyle”
{Noise in background}
RM: “Going well sir, what’s up?”
GMKD: “We’re sending you and Avery back down to WBS for some more games.”
RM: “You know me sir, love to play hockey. Kinee, grab me a pop will ya?”
GMKD: “Ok, transportation will be at your hotel in about an hour. What are you doing, if I may ask?”
RM: “Oh, we’re playing {HOT NEW VIDEO GAME ON XBOX / PS5}.”
GMKD: “Uh-huh. Did you get any sleep last night? WBS has a game this evening.”
RM: “Got a couple of hours on the plane. Kinee, Pepsi, not Coke. Then we started this game, and then it was morning”
GMKD: /facepalm
Meanwhile Geno, Tanger and others are deep in phys therapy.
🫡
I know it’s only one game but I really hope A Hayes gets more games after the break.
![[Penguins] Forwards Avery Hayes and Rutger McGroarty have been re-assigned to the WBS Penguins (AHL).](https://www.rawchili.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/i49ujx2c4whg1-1179x1024.jpeg)
15 comments
Olympic break, no waivers, keeps em playing.
I assume it’s so they can play during the Olympic break?
This was expected to get them gams over the break. The real question is if they’ll be back up after the break.
kinda surprised Graves isn’t headed down to get some reps during the break too
I was about to say I cry every time, but it’s break time lmao. Half asleep still.
Can’t wait to see more of Hayes
The trade deadline is going to be really interesting for the Penguins. I don’t see them as buyers, but I could see two paths:
a) stand pat and roll with what they have, hoping to make the playoffs, or
b) sell high on one or two guys, knowing they’re loaded with forward depth, and use those trades to shore up other areas, especially the blue line.
I think Rut had a really nice stint this time around. He does a lot of the little things really well and you can see the game is starting to slow down for him more and more. Two points in his last three games is a nice thing to see.
WBS fans about to have a fun month.
Very exciting young core of players. Dubas is cooking. I’m excited about the trade deadline for the first time in a while.
If any “big name” is traded, my money is on Rakell. Decent contract, proven scorer. Just make darned sure he’s traded out west.
Now, if GMKD can move any of: Graves, Dumba, or Kevin Hayes for picks / prospects? We better restart Pittsburgh Steel and contact a sculptor.
I assume there would be some salary retention for the latter three, and that’s a price I’d be willing to pay.
Here’s how I imagine that conversation to send them down went:
* RIIIIING *
RM: “Hello?”
GMKD: “Hey Rutger, how’s it going?”
RM: “Dude – hit pause, it’s Kyle”
{Noise in background}
RM: “Going well sir, what’s up?”
GMKD: “We’re sending you and Avery back down to WBS for some more games.”
RM: “You know me sir, love to play hockey. Kinee, grab me a pop will ya?”
GMKD: “Ok, transportation will be at your hotel in about an hour. What are you doing, if I may ask?”
RM: “Oh, we’re playing {HOT NEW VIDEO GAME ON XBOX / PS5}.”
GMKD: “Uh-huh. Did you get any sleep last night? WBS has a game this evening.”
RM: “Got a couple of hours on the plane. Kinee, Pepsi, not Coke. Then we started this game, and then it was morning”
GMKD: /facepalm
Meanwhile Geno, Tanger and others are deep in phys therapy.
🫡
I know it’s only one game but I really hope A Hayes gets more games after the break.
Keep him playing during break?