Former Winnipeg Jets top prospect Rutger McGroarty is expected to be cut by Pittsburgh
Photo credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Rutger McGroarty may have thought that a fresh start out of Winnipeg would have helped further his career, but he's finding out the hard way that's not the case.
This has been a quick reminder that Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Rutger McGroarty has learned just how difficult it can be to carve out a full-time position in the NHL. The 20-year-old forward has struggled enough to make a minor impression on the Penguins' coaching staff since training camp opened last week, so it shouldn't be out of the ordinary to not see him on the opening-night roster, with an assignment to the team's AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, most likely.
McGroarty has played both preseason games so far, even flashing his offensive capabilities on several occasions, including an assist. However, he is still a liability on defense, which has caused some concern among organizational decision-makers. McGroarty expressed his own frustration regarding these lapses in the defensive zone, including numerous times where he was scrambling just to keep up with the pace of play. His offensive instincts are apparent, but he has much to work on in terms of contributing to the Penguins' overall team defense.
According to Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now, the spotty defensive play from McGroarty is considered a liability by some in the organization. The Penguins do very much appreciate his high hockey IQ on offense, but that hasn't been enough to justify an NHL roster spot on its own. The team's decision-makers do feel that his current defensive shortcomings could be too costly at the professional level, and that has stood in the way of his making the team.
McGroarty was originally drafted 14th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2022. He has the ability to play both wings and brings some physicality to the ice, standing 6'1" and over 200 pounds. In his sophomore season with the University of Michigan, he totaled 52 points in 36 games, showing he does have the offensive capability. But a refusal to play with Winnipeg led to a trade demand, and the Penguins took a gamble by acquiring him this past August, moving top prospect Brayden Yager to finalize the deal.
Despite the promise he shows, the position Rutger McGroarty occupies in the Penguins' depth chart is still uncertain. Recently, he practiced in Group two, which typically is comprised of prospects and players who are likely bound for the AHL. Still with four more preseason games remaining, including consecutive tilts against the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators, McGroarty has plenty of time to convince the Penguins brass that he's worth keeping. Barring a serious upgrade in play, especially on the defensive side of the puck, an NHL debut might be a little further down the road for the former first-rounder.
