This former Buffalo Sabres trade target has finally found his new home.
This former Buffalo Sabres trade target has finally found his new home.
Earlier this offseason, the Buffalo Sabres were one of the clubs that "checked in" on top prospect Rutger McGroarty, as reported by the Winnipeg Free Press' Mike McIntyre.
However, the Sabres can now check McGroarty off their wish list. The Winnipeg Jets traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for fellow top prospect Brayden Yager. Following the move, McGroarty immediately signed his entry-level contract with the Penguins.
While the Sabres landed several forwards this offseason, bringing in McGroarty would have easily been their most significant addition. The 2022 first-round pick has top-six potential, and the Sabres just so happen to have a hole in their top-six. Thus, the Lincoln, Nebraska native could have competed for a prominent role on the Sabres' roster immediately had they acquired him.
McGroarty was one of the NCAA's top players over the last two seasons with the University of Michigan. As a freshman in 2022-23, he immediately made an impact, posting 18 goals and 39 points in 39 games. However, he took his offensive game to a new level in 2023-24, recording 16 goals and 52 points in 36 contests.
Overall, it would have been excellent if the Sabres added a top prospect like McGroarty. However, on the bright side, they still possess one of the NHL's most promising prospect pools, with youngsters like Jiri Kulich, Konsta Helenius, Isak Rosen, Noah Ostlund, and Anton Wahlberg leading the way.
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