McGroarty knows Pens job isn't guaranteed: I'll 'get what I deserve'
Rutger McGroarty says he isn't assuming he'll crack the Pittsburgh Penguins' roster out of training camp, a notion which may raise some eyebrows in Winnipeg.
“For me, I've been promised a spot at the (Prospects Challenge), and that's about it,” the 20-year-old forward said Wednesday, per team reporter Michelle Crechiolo. “So, I feel like I'm going to get what I deserve, and I'm going to come ready to work for camp. I like where my game’s at right now, but I'm just excited to get to camp and hopefully leave a good impression on them.”
The Penguins acquired McGroarty from the Jets last week for fellow prospect Brayden Yager. Winnipeg selected McGroarty 14th overall in 2022, while Pittsburgh chose Yager in the same spot last year.
In April, the Jets apparently wanted to sign McGroarty to a pro contract out of the University of Michigan but were unwilling to guarantee him a path to NHL playing time. Two months later, it was reported that the Jets were likely to trade him. The Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New York Islanders reportedly expressed interest.
McGroarty confirmed Wednesday that he felt it would be best for his development to move on from the Jets.
“My agents talked to them, and then I talked to them," he said. "I wanted to be upfront and honest with them, and just tell them that I wasn't going to be signing with them. (I've) 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 notched 16 goals and 36 assists over 36 games as a sophomore with the Wolverines last season. Upon failing to reach an agreement with the Jets in the spring, he committed to Michigan for his junior year. But mere hours after Winnipeg dealt him to Pittsburgh on Aug. 22, McGroarty signed a three-year, entry-level pact with his new club.
The Nebraska-born winger captained the United States to gold at the World Junior Championship in January, racking up five goals and four assists across seven contests. He helped the U.S. claim bronze in the same event one year prior.