Winnipeg Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty to return to NCAA’s University of Michigan for 2024-25

Winnipeg Jets 2022 first-round pick Rutger McGroarty announced today that he has made his decision to return to the University of Michigan Wolverines for his junior season.

The Jets oringally selected McGroarty No. 14 overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.

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. Last season he helped Michigan win the NCAA B1G Championship tallying 18 goals and 39 points in 39 games.

Internationally, the Lincoln, Nebraska product has represented Team USA on three occasions once at the Under 18 World Junior Championships and twice at the World Juniors. He captained the Americans to gold at the 2024 World Juniors recording five goals and four assists for nine points in seven games.

Michigan has seen a number of players turn pro this year already with Frank Nazar, Dylan Duke and Gavin Brindley all signing entry-level contracts with their respective NHL clubs. With McGroarty returning for another year at Michigan it allows for him to continue his development and not rush him to the NHL quite yet.

Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis highlighted McGroarty in his Top five NHL prospects who could turn pro after 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.”