Report: Pittsburgh Penguins acquire Rutger McGroarty from Winnipeg Jets for Brayden Yager

As first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired 2022 first-round draft pick Rutger McGroarty from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for 2023 first-round draft pick Brayden Yager.

McGroarty announced in April that he had decided to return to the University of Michigan Wolverines for his junior season for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign. However, The Athletic’s Murat Ates has reported that McGroarty is expected to sign his entry-level deal with Pittsburgh upon completion of the trade.

The 20-year-old spent the 2023-24 regular season with Michigan where he tallied 16 goals and 36 assists for 52 points in 36 games. McGroarty ranked fifth in goals, second in assists and second in points among Wolverines’ skaters, he was named to the NCAA B1G First All-Star Team, NCAA B1G All-Tournament Team, NCAA West Second All-American Team and named a Hobey Baker Award Nominee. The season prior, he helped Michigan win the NCAA B1G Championship tallying 18 goals and 39 points in 39 games.

Daily Faceoff‘s Steven Ellis highlighted McGroarty in his Top five NHL prospects who could turn pro after the NCAA championship. “McGroarty just edged out Brindley for first in scoring on Michigan despite missing time with an injury prior to the World Juniors,” Ellis said. “He finished the year with 52 points in 36 games, making him one of the most productive forwards in the NCAA. They really missed his presence when he was out – McGroarty just does so much with the puck, driving the play so consistently, that you really need him healthy out there. He’s one of Winnipeg’s best forward prospects and I fully believe his mix of speed, skill and muscle should allow him to adjust to the pro game without issue.”

Meanwhile, Yager spent the 2023-24 season with the Moose Jaw Warriors in the WHL where he racked up 35 goals and 60 assists for 95 points in 57 games. Yager added 11 goals and 27 points in 20 WHL Playoff contests as Moose Jaw captured the WHL Championship and placed a birth in the Memorial Cup.

In 211 career WHL games, Yager has scored 104 goals and 146 assists, including 50 points in 40 playoff games.

Ellis ranked Yager as the No. 24 prospect available in his final 2023 NHL Draft Rankings. “Statistically, 78 points in a draft year is solid,” Ellis said. “He had 50 assists and showed he can be a highlight-reel machine. But there have been enough off-games to get some scouts concerned. He can play all situations, but he rarely engages physically and most scouts wanted to see more goals out of him. I like him as a complementary winger more than a center down the road.”