The Pittsburgh Penguins took a nice step in the right direction this season by making the playoffs. Now, they will be looking to build off that next season. One player who should be watched incredibly closely on the Penguins next campaign is forward Rutger McGroarty. The 22-year-old forward is one of the Penguins' top breakout candidates heading into next season, and it would not be surprising if he takes a big step in development because of it. McGroarty showed clear signs of progress this season in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. In 30 games with the AHL squad, he recorded 10 goals and 34 points. This is after he had 14 goals and 39 points but in 60 games for the AHL club during the 2024-25 season. With this, the Penguins will now be hoping that McGroarty can tap into his potential more next season on their NHL roster. The 2022 first-round pick posted three goals and six points in 24 games this season for Pittsburgh, so it will be interesting to see how much he improves his offense next year in the NHL. There is a lot to like about McGroarty's game, and it would be huge for the Penguins if he has that big breakout year.
