Make or break year for Ruter McGroarty
Photo credit: youtube
Winnipeg Jets top prospect Rutger is arguably facing one of the most pivotal hockey seasons of his young career.
There was tons of speculation regarding the young prospect ahead of the 2024 NHL offseason. The word on the street was Kevin Cheveldayoff was set to trade away the former 14th overall pick at the NHL entry draft, but nothing came to fruition.
During a Q&A, Winnipeg Jets reporters Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre discuss what lies ahead for the young disgruntled prospect.
Q. McGroarty seemingly was on his way elsewhere pre-draft. Now, it's slowed. What do you see as more likely: He's traded before the season begins, prior to trade deadline or the relationship mends?
Wiebe: As it stands right now, McGroarty plans to return for his junior season with the University of Michigan Wolverines. He'll play a big role there and be part of the leadership group. The stakes are high for McGroarty when it comes to his development.
The better he plays, the better his chances are of making that happen. Whether that's with the Jets or another team remains to be seen. If McGroarty is a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, that's only going to increase his value on both fronts. Of the scenarios offered, it seems most likely to me that McGroarty will be part of an NHL trade deadline deal that brings back a package that includes a defenceman who is under team control for multiple seasons.
As Wiebe described, the better McGroarty ends up playing for the Wolverines, the better shot at a favourable outcome for both parties end up happening.
If Rutger McGroarty can pull off an NCAA MVP Award (Hobey Baker), the Jets will be in a glorious position to pull of a massive blockbuster trade in 2025-26.
source: The Free Press
Could Laine come back? What's up with McGroarty? Your Jets questions answered
Could Laine come back? What's up with McGroarty? Your Jets questions answered
| POLL | ||
29 JUILLET | 84 ANSWERS Make or break year for Ruter McGroarty Will the Jets trade Rutger McGroarty next year? | ||
| Yes | 55 | 65.5 % |
| No | 29 | 34.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
Latest 10 stories
