August 22, 2024, 6:12 PM
Hours after acquiring Rutger McGroarty from the Winnipeg Jets, the Pittsburgh Penguins signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract.
The 20-year-old forward was the Jets’ 14th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. He expressed reservations about his future with Winnipeg earlier this off-season, which lead general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff to explore trade options.
McGroarty spent the past two seasons playing NCAA hockey at the University of Michigan. Over 75 total games, he recorded 34 goals and 57 assists for 91 points.
The Nebraska native also helped guide Team USA to a world junior championship title in 2024, scoring five goals and nine points through seven games at the tournament.