Jets, top prospect McGroarty appear to be at impasse over immediate future By: Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe Posted: 11:26 AM CDT Saturday, Jun. 22, 2024 Last Modified: 1:12 PM CDT Saturday, Jun. 22, 2024 Updates

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Could the relationship between the Winnipeg Jets and top forward prospect Rutger McGroarty be over before it really even begins?

The Free Press has learned the two sides are at an apparent impasse over the direction of his career to the point the team may have no choice but to trade his rights or eventually risk losing him for nothing.

In that sense, it appears McGroarty has entered “it’s not me, it’s you” territory.

The 14th-overall pick of the 2022 NHL Draft made a somewhat surprising decision back in April that he was planning to return to the University of Michigan Wolverines program for his junior season this fall, rather than turn pro immediately and join the organization.

At the time, he made it clear it had nothing to do with the Jets or his future with the franchise. However, speculation has surfaced that McGroarty, 20, may not be willing to sign with the Jets whenever he comes out of school, which could force the hand of the organization.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported as much on his 32 Thoughts podcast posted early Saturday morning, saying general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has discussed the prospect of trading McGroarty’s rights with other teams.

“He’s an NHLer. They will regret it,” a source said on Friday night of what moving the captain of the U.S. World Juniors team in January would mean to the Jets.

“It’s a business and Winnipeg will have to do that they have to do.”

According to sources, McGroarty believes he’s unlikely to crack Winnipeg’s roster immediately and would probably have to spend time in the American Hockey League honing his craft, maybe even a full season. And the Jets have conveyed as much to him given their current roster, which includes plenty of forward talent with the big club and on the farm.

That’s seemingly a tough pill to swallow for McGroarty, who has seen many college teammates and opponents turn pro and immediately get NHL looks — including his two linemates last season with Michigan in Gavin Brindley (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Frank Nazar (Chicago Blackhawks).

“Winnipeg really needs to re-visit its development plan,” a source said.

“Winnipeg really needs to re-visit its development plan.”

Of course, it’s worth noting teams like Columbus and Chicago are in very different places right now than Winnipeg. They are in the early stages of re-building, while the Jets are in “win now” mode which was demonstrated by the addition of Sean Monahan and Tyler Toffoli at the trade deadline.

Those two ultimately forced a young Jets talent like Cole Perfetti out of the lineup for extended periods, including the first four games of the playoffs, despite the fact the 22-year-old just had a career-best 19 goals and 19 assists in 71 games this past year.

No doubt McGroarty and his camp took note of that, just as they would have seen 20-year-old Brad Lambert (2022 first-rounder) spend the entire 2023-24 season with the Manitoba Moose. (He did get called up to make his NHL debut in the final game of the Jets season, registering an assist).

The McGroarty situation is a significant development heading into the 2024 NHL Draft next Friday and Saturday in Vegas and is reminiscent of what happened with Philadelphia Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier last season.

Gauthier, the fifth overall pick of the 2022 NHL Draft who was teammates with McGroarty on the World Junior squad, asked for a trade from the Flyers in March and ended up being dealt to the Anaheim Ducks for defenceman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Can the Jets find a way to secure a similar package, or might they try to see if McGroarty and his camp might have a change of heart?

Over the years, Cheveldayoff hasn’t panicked in these types of situations when a player seemingly wants out, exuding patience as he waits for trade offers that he finds palatable.

What that means in this case remains to be seen. McGroarty remains under team control for two years, but if moving him is inevitable then doing so sooner than later might be the best play to help the Jets in the present.

Perhaps the Blue Jackets might be calling, since they employ both Brindley and another one of McGroarty’s former college teammates in 2023 third-overall pick Adam Fantilli (who is his best friend). Another option might be the Carolina Hurricanes, who could be looking to move forward Martin Necas during the coming weeks.

Although McGroarty has not suited up for an NHL game, he became a fan favourite during Jets development camp last summer as he posed for pictures with fans and showcased his trademark enthusiasm. The product of Lincoln, Neb. has a unique combination of character, compete and charisma.

McGroarty overcame a significant injury last season — he was stretchered off the ice and hospitalized for nearly a week after crashing hard into the boards in a November game — to make it back in time to suit up for the World Juniors and play a key role. He then helped the Wolverines reach the Frozen Four for a second consecutive season.

The Jets had close contact with McGroarty all season, led by director of player development Jimmy Roy who was present at many of his games — including the one where he got seriously hurt. The official diagnosis was a fractured rib and collapsed lung.

“What he’s been able to do this year at the University of Michigan, I think it’s just tremendous,” Roy told the Free Press in April. “And he’s such a great kid. I’m happy for him. The whole organization couldn’t be happier with Rutger overall. Everything. The whole situation.”

“What he’s been able to do this year at the University of Michigan, I think it’s just tremendous.”–Jimmy Roy

McGroarty had 16 goals and 52 points in 36 games for the Wolverines last season, adding five goals and nine points in seven games at the world junior hockey championship. He’s got power forward potential, even though he needs to continue to improve his skating as he works toward becoming an NHL regular. He’s continuing to do so with former Canadian Olympian figure skater Barb Underhill.

Just before his college campaign ended, McGroarty told the Free Press he was appreciative of the time and space the Jets gave him during his playoff run this past spring.

“Throughout the year we talked one, two three times a week. Just catching up, getting to know each other better. These people are investing so much money in you, you’ve got to get to know them as a person. I feel like we’ve grown our relationship,” he said.

“Definitely in the second half it’s picked up. More texts, meetings, Chevy coming to watch me. I feel like it’s definitely increased. They’ve been so respectful with the playoff push. I have to give them so much respect.”

His mother, Cindy, may have provided a window into his future line of thinking when she said her boy ultimately knows best when he’s ready for the next level.

“We always told Rutger when preparedness intersects with opportunity, it’s time to go,” she said.

“Winnipeg knows when opportunity is there, Rutger knows when he’s prepared. He won’t put himself in a bad situation, and it’s not like he’s in a horrible situation for development. So, if someone says, ‘No, you have room to grow before you’re ready,’ that’s OK, too. He’s prepared for just about anything.”

McGroarty and his parents have not responded to requests for comment.

The Jets are holding their next development camp from July 3-7 at the Hockey For All Centre. Will McGroarty be there? Stay tuned.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

X: @WiebesWorld