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Rutger McGroarty was as interested in explaining his decision to pass on the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday as he was in actually playing for the team that made him a first-round draft pick a few years ago.
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McGroarty spoke for the first time since being traded to Pittsburgh last week in exchange for Brayden Yager, also a first-round pick, and barely mentioned any of the details that ultimately led to the 14th overall 2022 draft pick going to the Penguins last Thursday.
“I wanted to be open and honest with them and just told them I was not signing with them,” McGroarty told reporters. “I have nothing but respect for these guys. They’ve handled it with a lot of class and I wish them the best, but I’m excited to get started now.”
Following the trade, Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff could only fill in the blanks regarding a meeting between the GM and McGroarty’s representative at the NHL Combine in June, where it was revealed that it “didn’t feel right” for McGroarty to sign with Winnipeg.
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McGroarty spoke more than once on Wednesday about the development path the Penguins had planned for him.
In June, a source familiar with the situation said McGroarty wanted to leave because of the connection to Winnipeg.
“It’s not a Winnipeg (city) problem,” they said. “It’s a development problem and a relationship problem.”
McGroarty said Wednesday the only thing he was promised in Pittsburgh was a spot in the team’s upcoming rookie tournament.
“I feel like I’m getting what I deserve and I’ll be ready to work for camp,” he said. “I’m happy with my game right now. I’m excited to get to camp and hopefully make a good impression on them.”
Regarding the Penguins as an organization, McGroarty said he believes they have done everything right.
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“The development path, the experienced guys they have here, the organization they have here,” he said. “It’s such a sports town. Even in the couple of days I’ve been here, I went to a Pirates game on Monday, it was great. The atmosphere in the sports town is incredible.”
McGroarty quickly reversed his decision to return to the University of Michigan for the 2024–25 season and signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Penguins shortly after his transfer.
“When I talk to (general manager) Kyle (Dubas) and Jason (Spezza), I feel like they are two incredible hockey minds that will provide me with a great development path. … I love the University of Michigan and it was very hard to leave there, but it’s still great to be here,” McGroarty said.
If McGroarty makes the NHL roster after training camp, he will be in Winnipeg on Oct. 20 when the Penguins make their annual trip to the Canada Life Centre.
X: @scottbilleck
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