Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Rutger McGroarty [https://theahl.com/stats/player/10472/86/rutger-mcgroarty] played six games in the NHL, going pointless in those contests and compiling a minus-5 rating. The 20-year-old was demoted to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and made his AHL debut on Oct. 18. Thus far, McGroarty has played in six games, collecting a single assist in a matchup against the Bridgeport Islanders on Oct. 30. On Saturday, facing the Hartford Wolfpack, the rookie was held off the scoresheet for the fifth time. Since turning pro, McGroarty has a single assist in 12 games with a minus-10 rating. Moreover, he's registered just 11 shots. Last year, McGroarty skated at the University of Michigan, scoring 52 points in 36 games, losing in the Frozen Four but finishing as a Hobey Baker Award finalist. The former 14th overall pick (2022) requested a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, looking for more opportunities to crack an NHL lineup. The Penguins sent Brayden Yager (14th overall, 2023) to Winnipeg in exchange for McGroaty [https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/penguins-acquire-forward-rutger-mcgroarty-from-the-winnipeg-jets-in-exchange-for-brayden-yager]. Although Yager had limited opportunities (two games) in the pre-season, he's back in the WHL with the Moose Jaw Warriors, scoring 17 points through 13 games. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will return to action on Wednesday, Oct. 6, against their cross-state rivals, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bookmark THN's Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/] site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and more. WA-EDM-McDavidInjury
