In a highly anticipated press conference on Wednesday, newly acquired Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Rutger McGroarty opened up about his recent trade from the Winnipeg Jets and his eagerness to start his professional career with the Penguins.
A week after the Penguins made headlines by trading 2023 first-round pick Braden Yager for the promising 2022 first-round pick McGroarty, the 20-year-old addressed reporters with a refreshing honesty. When asked why he didn’t want to join the Jets, McGroarty stated, “My agents talked to them, then I talked to them, and I wanted to be upfront and honest with them, and tell them I wasn’t going to be signing for them. I got nothing but respect for those guys. They handled it with a lot of class. And I wish them nothing but the best.”
Shortly after the trade, McGroarty signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Penguins, officially wrapping up his NCAA career at the University of Michigan. Over the past two seasons, he showcased his skill by scoring 34 goals and providing 57 assists in 75 games.
Despite announcing in April his intention to return to Michigan for the 2024-25 season, reports indicated that McGroarty and the Jets had differing views on his developmental path. Now, as part of the Penguins organization, he expressed his excitement: “I feel like everything’s right here – the development path, the veteran guys that they have, the organization that they have and the town as well.”
McGroarty also shared his enthusiasm for Pittsburgh’s vibrant sports culture, recalling a recent visit to a Pirates game: “The sports town atmosphere is unbelievable.”
As he prepares to join the Penguins, McGroarty emphasized his work ethic and team spirit: “I come to the rink every single day, work extremely hard and do everything with intent, and then hopefully drag other guys across the line with you and help them get better.”
With the Penguins looking to strengthen their roster, McGroarty’s addition brings fresh talent and a positive mindset, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
