The Penguins introduced forward Rutger McGroarty yesterday, a week after acquiring him from Winnipeg in a swap of former number one draft choices who were considered their former teams’ top prospect. In exchange for McGroarty, the Jets got Brayden Yager. The 20-year-old McGroarty is thought to be ready for the NHL and could land on Sidney Crosby’s line.
He says he’s just thinking about making the team right now.
McGroarty had refused to sign with Winnipeg because he didn’t like their development camp for him. He instead would have returned to the University of Michigan, where he was slated to become the team captain. But he says signing with the Penguins was an easy decision.
McGroarty has been projected as a top six forward, and with an open slot on Crosby’s top line, he could end up there, in the slot where Jake Guentzel used to play.
At only 20 years of age, McGroarty is about the same age as the career lengths of the Penguins’ Big Three…Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. He’s excited about the possibility of playing with the legendary trio.
McGroarty will get his first chance to impress when the Penguins play in the Buffalo Sabres’ Prospects Challenge, September 13th through the 16th.
