Pittsburgh Penguins assign Rutger McGroarty to AHL

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced that they have assigned rookie Rutger McGroarty to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

In three NHL appearances, McGroarty was held pointless but registered two shots on goal.

Pittsburgh acquired Rutger McGroarty from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for 2023 first-round draft pick Brayden Yager back in August. It was reported that McGroarty was going back to the NCAA to play for the University of Michigan but not long after the trade he signed his entry-level contract.

The Lincoln, Nebraska native 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.”