Win-win trade for both organizations

However, when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Moose Jaw Warriors forward Brayden Yager (drafted 14th overall in 2023), he immediately signed his entry-level contract with the Penguins.

They were in a tough spot with McGroarty refusing to sign. When this happens with NCAA players, lack of leverage makes it difficult for teams to get any significant return for the player. Sometimes, they have to let the player walk for nothing after they finish their college career. The Jets getting Yager, who has potential, is a relative win in such a difficult situation.

Let's look at the players themselves.

a two-way center who's showcased his scoring ability at the junior level, and has the potential to be a very good NHL caliber player. Yager was the only prospect of his caliber in the Penguins' system. Recent additions to that prospect pool made him more expendable, but he's still the same player who had 95 points in 57 games last season and was a WHL champion.

Yager is the kind of player who, on his best nights, frustrates opponents with difficult-to-stop shots and passes alike. He's a good skater and reads the ice well, knowing where he needs to be to be most effective and ensuring he gets there. He brings a combination of playmaking and scoring abilities, rather than leaning into one or the other, and he feasts on the power play. It's this last part that can be both a strength and a weakness for him.

The only real question mark about Yager's game is whether he can drive the play on his own. That's always something you need from a highly skilled center iceman, especially one who people want to project as a top or middle-six player. He's got the fantastic playmaking skills, he's got good forechecking abilities.

While Yager will probably make a good impression at the Jets' training camp, he is unlikely to see any significant time in the NHL this season. He'll also probably need some time in the AHL after his WHL career ends, before he's ready for full-time duty with the Jets. That's a perfectly reasonable development path and one that the Jets can allow him to take. The Penguins didn't have that luxury; they needed someone ready now, and they got him.

A winger for Crosby? Of course that doesn't mean that McGroarty is locked in to play with Crosby. he's a young, highly skilled forward so he's probably going to end up playing with Crosby at some point throughout his young NHL career.

One of the most important things to know about Rutger McGroarty is that he is a shark around the net. He's got stellar shooting ability, great instincts, and the ability to use his size to negate defensive play by his opponents, making space for himself instead. At his best, he's relentless, particularly on the forecheck, and his anticipation makes for excellent scoring opportunities.

The truly biggest concern about McGroarty's game, particularly leading up to his draft year, has been his skating. His skating mechanics are not great, and his posture could do with some work as well. His speed and edge work suffer because of his mechanical issues, which can give him trouble when it comes to keeping up with speedier teammates. Fortunately, he's seen some improvement in that area

At the end of the day, this was one of those rare pure hockey trades that benefits both sides.