Just a couple of years ago, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Winnipeg Jets connected on a preseason trade involving two mid-first-round picks. Kyle Dubas traded Brayden Yager for Rutger McGroarty. Rutger wanted out of Winnipeg, and Yager was drafted by the previous management regime.
McGroarty, because of injuries to other players, actually ended up in Pittsburgh’s opening-day lineup in 2024. Since that day, he’s only played in 31 other games at the NHL level. Last season, he was injured before camp and never really found his footing. This season, he was a victim of the numbers game. To Rutger’s credit, he took it in stride and has been dominating the AHL with 9 points in 6 games.
The other player involved in the McGroarty deal, Yager, also had 9 points through 6 AHL games and was subsequently called up to the NHL. You would have to think this stings Rutger, who surely wants to be in the NHL.
While I’m sure Dubas isn’t making roster decisions based on what other teams are doing with their prospects, I think the optics look bad. McGroarty, by all accounts, was the better prospect despite his below-average skating, and he’s never been given a true run at the NHL level.
Yager has continued to develop and has been rewarded with a call-up to Winnipeg’s roster for his good play in the minors. You would think Rutger deserves the same reward.
I think with the team’s direction and the Rust injury, it’s about time that Rutger makes his way to the NHL for good. Also, calling up Rutger for an extended run can give the management group a better feel for his next contract.
As it stands right now, McGroarty should be asking for the Koivunen deal. Maybe he shows he deserves it more than Koivunen did if they actually give him the runway to play.
What should the Pens be doing with Rutger? Do you think it looks bad that Yager is in the NHL while McGroarty plays for Wilkes-Barre?
