Kyle Dubas Explains Penguins’ Trade For Prospect Rutger McGroarty

The Penguins and Jets swapped top prospects in a significant trade last week, with Pittsburgh acquiring forward Rutger McGroarty from Winnipeg for forward Brayden Yager.

The Jets failed to sign McGroarty to an entry-level contract, leaving Winnipeg general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff searching for a trade partner for the 20-year-old prospect. McGroarty was selected 14th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft by the Jets, and Yager was selected the very next year by the Penguins with the No. 14 pick.

Penguins president and general manager Kyle Dubas explained why Pittsburgh opted to trade their highly touted prospect for McGroarty.

“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,” Dubas said, per the team. “After much consideration, we decided that the opportunity to add Rutger McGroarty was ultimately in the best interest of the Penguins.”

McGroarty recently captained Team USA to the gold medal at the 2024 World Junior Championship, tallying five goals and nine points in seven games. He played the last two seasons at the University of Michigan, tallying 34 goals, 57 assists and 91 points in 75 games.

One significant difference between the two prospects is McGroarty, 20, will be able to compete for a full-time NHL role with the Penguins this season, while Yager, 19, would’ve only been able to play a handful of games. McGroarty is also projected to be the overall better player. McGroarty is ranked 33rd on The Athletic’s prospect ranking and was praised for his versatility. Yager ranked 58th and was described as more of a one-dimensional player.

“Rutger 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.”

With training camp set to get underway on Sept. 18, the Penguins will get their fist look at how McGroarty fits in the lineup.

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