Michigan forward Rutger McGroarty (2) shoots the puck against Boston College during the third period of the Frozen Four semifinal game at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. on Thursday, April 11, 2024. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Winnipeg Jets agreed to swap top prospects on Thursday.
Pittsburgh sent Brayden Yager to Winnipeg in exchange for fellow forward Rutger McGroarty.
Yager, 19, was drafted by the Penguins with the 14th overall pick in 2023. McGroarty, 20, was picked in the same slot by the Jets in 2022.
Neither player has made his NHL debut.
“We had a difficult decision to make with this trade because we hold Brayden Yager in such a high regard as a person and prospect,” Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said. “After much consideration, we decided that the opportunity to add Rutger McGroarty was ultimately in the best interest of the Penguins. He possesses the combination of ability, leadership and competitiveness that the Penguins need to achieve our goals in the short and long run. We look forward to welcoming Rutger and his family to the city of Pittsburgh and the Penguins.”
Yager tallied 95 points (35 goals, 60 assists) in 57 games with the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors in 2023-24.
McGroarty, a Nebraska native, registered 52 points (16 goals, 36 assists) in 36 games at the University of Michigan in 2023-24.
The Daily Faceoff reported Thursday that McGroarty let the Jets know he did not plan to sign with the club.
–Field Level Media
