Former Jets top prospect Rutger McGroarty made comments to media about newfound commitment to development following standstill with Jets about NHL ice-time
Winnipeg Jets 2022 first round pick Rutger McGroarty was dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins last week. The Nebraska native spoke to Penguins team reporter Michelle Crechiolo Wednesday saying that he will need to work for a spot on the main roster and is ready to put in the work.
“For me, I've been promised a spot at the (Prospects Challenge), and that's about it,” the Michigan Wolverine forward said to Crechiolo. “So, I feel like I'm going to get what I deserve, and I'm going to come ready to work for camp."
This comes after McGroarty seemingly wasn't willing to have the same approach with the Jets and requested a trade. The 20-year-old forward did speak graciously to the treatment he received from the Jets organization in the following months.
"I wanted to be upfront and honest with them, and just tell them that I wasn't going to be signing with them,” McGroarty said. “I got nothing but respect for those guys, they handled it with a lot of class, and I wish them nothing but the best. But as I said, I'm fired up to get started here now.”
McGroarty won't be returning to the University of Michigan next season as he inked his three-year, entry-level contract with Pittsburgh shortly after the trade. As a Wolverine, he scored 34 goals while dishing 57 assists for 91 points in 75 games. Pittsburgh's preseason opener versus the Buffalo Sabres will be likely the first in-game action we see of McGroarty as a Penguin.