BLOCKBUSTER NHL TRADE: JETS AND PENGUINS SWAP TOP PROSPECTS #nhldraft #jets #pittsburghpenguins
In a trade of top prospects, the Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired Rutger McGroarty from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for Brayden Yager, according to multiple reports and first broken by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. McGroarty was the No. 14 overall pick in 2022 and Yager went 14th overall in 2023. Both were among their system’s top prospects.
Rumors swirled prior to the draft that McGroarty did not see eye to eye on his development plan with Winnipeg, which is part of why he did not sign a contract with them over the offseason. McGroarty was planning to return to the University of Michigan if the Jets did not trade him. However, now that he has been moved, reports indicate he will sign with Pittsburgh.
In the end, the Jets were able to get fair value for a player that everyone knew wanted out. Yager is a high-end prospect from the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL. He also just turned 19 and is likely headed for another season in the WHL in 2024-25.
The Penguins, which have not had a very strong prospect system, are essentially losing their No. 1 prospect, while gaining the new No. 1 in McGroarty who is closer to being NHL ready and plays a different style from Yager.
1 comment
Rutger is a bit of a Prima Donna as most Gen X kids tend to be. Let’s see how long he lasts with the Pens before he starts moaning.