Reporter reveals what the Jets could have scored for McGroarty if they traded with the Canadiens

Kevin Cheveldayoff, the Winnipeg Jets general manager, managed to make a great deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins for Rutger McGroarty. Considering that the 14th overall pick in 2022 wanted out of the Jets organization, getting Brayden Yager in return for the prospect is a great move.

Taking out a player who doesn't want to play for you for another player known for his great personality is an interesting move for the Jets.

Yager was also drafted 14th overall, but it was a year later: in 2023. The 19-year-old center from Saskatoon won the WHL cup with the Moose Jaw Warriors following an impressive 95-point season and a 27-point playoff run.

However, even if the deal with the Penguins turned out well for the Jets, other teams were likely interested in McGroarty. One of those rumored teams is the Montreal Canadiens.

Marco D'Amico, a reporter who has been covering the Canadiens for a long time, revealed in a post on X that if the Jets had sent McGroarty to Montreal, they could've gotten either Joshua Roy or Michael Hage.

Roy, 21, is expected to make the Habs lineup next season, whereas Hage, drafted 21st overall in 2024, will likely come into the NHL in a couple of seasons.

Only time will tell if Cheveldayoff's move will pay off for the Jets, but Yager certainly seems more interesting than Roy or Hage.

Source for Brayden Yager's statistics: Hockey DB

Source for Rutger McGroarty's statistics: Hockey DB

Source: Marco D'Amico on X