Now is the time for the Bruins to try to land this Jets top prospect.
Before the start of free agency, the Winnipeg Free Press' Mike McIntyre reported that the Boston Bruins and Winnipeg Jets had talks centering around disgruntled top prospect Rutger McGroarty. Ultimately, those talks did not result in a move, but the Bruins should not give up their pursuit of the 2022 first-round pick. After how free agency went, their need for help on the wing is even more apparent.
The Bruins lost plenty of depth on the wing in free agency, as Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, and Pat Maroon all found new homes. In addition, James van Riemsdyk and Oskar Steen were not brought back and remain unsigned in free agency. With this, there are spots in the Bruins' lineup to fight for, and McGroarty would have a great chance of landing in Boston's top nine if acquired. It also helps that he can play right wing, which is a position that the Bruins must improve.
McGroarty, 20, has shown immense promise at the NCAA level with the University of Michigan. After posting a 39-point campaign in 39 games as a freshman in 2022-23, he had 16 goals and 52 points in 36 contests this past season. Clearly, the Nebraska native is a talented offensive player, and the Bruins could use a prospect like him because of it.
Ultimately, with the Bruins needing more help on the wing, they should make another pitch for McGroarty. Landing him would be a great way to end what has been a strong offseason for the B's.