Jets GM explains why Rutger McGroarty wanted out of Winnipeg

UPDATE 3: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has spoken with the media now and has explained, somewhat, what led to Rutger McGroarty's dissatisfaction with the team. 

It was reported earlier this offseason that McGroarty did not want to join the team, but there was little reporting done about the young man's reasoning. Now, with McGroarty shipped off the Pittsburgh, maybe Jets fans will get some answers, right?

Right?!?!?

Don't hold your breath.

From Cheveldayoff courtesy of Jets insider Murat Ates:

Can I posit a reason? Or, at least, an explanation?

McGoarty is reportedly best friends with Cutter Gauthier.

Need I say more?

Read below for our earlier reports on this developing story.

UPDATE 2: It's official, the Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired Rutger McGroarty from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for Brayden Yager.

Read below for the official press release announcement from the Penguins:

The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired forward Rutger McGroarty from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for Brayden Yager, it was announced today by President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas.

“We had a difficult decision to make with this trade because we hold Brayden Yager in such a high regard as a person and prospect. After much consideration, we decided that the opportunity to add Rutger McGroarty was ultimately in the best interest of the Penguins," said Dubas. "Rutger possesses the combination of ability, leadership and competitiveness that the Penguins need to achieve our goals in the short and long run. We look forward to welcoming Rutger and his family to the city of Pittsburgh and the Penguins.”

McGroarty, 20, has played two seasons of collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan from 2022-24, tallying 34 goals, 57 assists and 91 points in 75 games. Last season, the forward ranked second on his team with 36 assists and 52 points, and his assist and point totals were the seventh and ninth highest across the entire NCAA, respectively.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound McGroarty played with the United States National Team Development Program prior to his collegiate career from 2020-22. The forward split his first season in the program between the Under-17 and Under-18 squads in 2020-21, then led the Under-18 Team in goals (35) as captain in ’21-22.

The Lincoln, Nebraska native recently captained Team USA to the gold medal at the 2024 World Junior Championship, tallying five goals and nine points in seven games. McGroarty skated in his first international tournament with Team USA at the 2021 World Under-18 Championship and went on to win a silver medal as captain at the ’22 World Under-18 Championship and a bronze medal at the ‘23 World Junior Championship.

McGroarty was originally drafted 14th overall by the Winnipeg Jets at the 2022 NHL Draft.

UPDATE: NHL insider Elliotte Friedman is now reporting that the Jets will receive former 14th overall pick (2023) Brayden Yager in exchange for McGroarty. Both players were 14th overall picks just a year apart.

Read below for our earlier report on this developing story.

This just in, according to a report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Winnipeg Jets have traded top prospect Rutger McGroarty to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

From Friedman:

Standby for official confirmation.

McGroarty was the Jets’ top pick, 14th overall, in the 2022 NHL Draft and was also a Hobey Baker Award nominee this past year. He has 91 points in 75 games with the University of Michigan in the past two seasons. 

He reportedly asked for a trade from Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff as he's not interested in starting his NHL career in Winnipeg. The native of Lincoln, Nebraska now joins a Penguins team that looks like it's doing a bit of a re-tool to its roster. GM Kyle Dubas has been adding young talent all offseason in an effort inject his veteran roster with a boost of youth.

Again, standby for official confirmation on the deal including the return package to Winnipeg.