If Rob Blake wants to shake things up for the Los Angeles Kings this summer, the Winnipeg Jets have once again offered him an opportunity to do so.
He's already made arguably the biggest decision any general manager will make this summer, moving on from Pierre-Luc Dubois after just one season and he can continue to make waves by acquiring a high-end prospect.
On 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Freidman stated that McGroarty, "has come up in trade discussions" and that "the Jets have discussed trading and other teams have discussed acquiring McGroarty’s rights."
The Athletic's Murat Ates wrote a piece discussing why the Jets are interested in trading McGroarty, stating that there have been some disagreements about his development path leading to a breakdown in the relationship there.
Essentially, McGroarty wants to step right into the NHL and the Jets aren't willing to offer that spot.
His last big trade with Winnipeg was an unmitigated disaster, however, Blake should go back to that well this summer.
All of Dubois' biggest flaws are McGroarty's biggest strengths. He's a highly competitive winger who's consistently fighting for pucks down low, along the boards and in front.
He's also not afraid to throw his weight around on the forecheck. A former captain of both the USA U20 and U18 teams, McGroarty has the off-ice character teams covet.
He brings more than just hard work and intangibles too. McGroarty has legit, high-end NHL skill. He finished ninth in NCAA scoring last season, eighth if looking at points-per-game, right behind Washington Capitals prospect Ryan Leonard.
He's got an excellent shot, high hockey IQ and deft hands, particularly in tight spaces and in front of the net.
Typically more of a goalscorer, he showed off some playmaking chops at Michigan last season, finishing with 36 assists, the seventh-most in the NCAA.
I go back to this a lot because I think it's one of LA's biggest needs, he fits that "desire to win" criteria Blake outlined in his exit meeting.
Some people worry about his skating at the next level, but I'm not as concerned. His stride is ugly, but it hasn't held him back to this point. He plays at an NHL pace already and I don't think he'll be left behind at the next level.
He looks like a player who could jump straight in and be an NHL contributor too given his physical maturity.
It's easy to overhype prospects, but given the skillset, hockey IQ and physical tools, McGroarty looks like a future 30-goal power-winger to me.
The problem is, a lot of teams will view McGroarty that way and will be calling Winnipeg.
The price won't be cheap. I've been very against trading the 21st overall pick, however, for McGroarty, a prospect who's already NHL-ready, it would be worth it.
It will cost more than just that pick though, and it won't be the 21st overall pick and a small sweetener.
I've seen quite a few mentions of the 21st overall pick plus Arthur Kaliyev for McGroarty. Great, just be prepared for McGroarty to be suiting up for another team next season.
Kevin Cheveldayoff would hang up the phone and take one of the numerous better offers he'll get for McGroarty.
Circling back to Ates' article on The Athletic, it sounds like Winnipeg would want a roster player to help them now, particularly a second-line forward or top-four defenseman.
That leaves a few options for LA. If Vladislav Gavrikov would be willing to waive his no-movement clause for Winnipeg, that would be the first avenue I'd explore.
However, I can't imagine Gavrikov would agree to it.
The two pieces that make the most sense to me would be a sign-and-trade situation with Jordan Spence, or moving Trevor Moore.
Spence is an excellent young defenseman, and my first instinct is to keep him and let Matt Roy walk, however, if he can net McGroarty I'd move Spence and bring Roy back.
Winnipeg needs some help on the blue line, and if they're high on Spence he could be enough alongside the 21st overall pick.
Moore is another interesting option. I imagine a lot of fans wouldn't move Moore for McGroarty, but I'd be all over it.
It comes down to whether you believe Moore is a true 30-goal scorer, or at least close to it.
I don't and I'd sell while the value was high. I think McGroarty could immediately fill the top-nine spot left by Moore and has a much higher ceiling.
A package around the 21st overall pick and Moore would have to include more than just McGroarty though, there would need to be a depth piece coming back.
I'd be open to tacking Rasmus Kupari on and having him replace Blake Lizotte as a cheap option at 4C, but I've always been higher on Kupari than most.
A different depth piece like Morgan Barron might be worth a look as a physical fourth line to take back.