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"How did Dubas cook this up?" - NHL fans react as Rutger McGroarty gets traded to Penguins
Former 14th overall pick Rutger McGroarty was traded from the Winnipeg Jets to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday in a surprising move leading up to the start of training camps. While the top prospect planned to play for the University of Michigan next year, earlier this offseason, Elliotte Friedman reported that McGroarty was looking to part ways with the Jets.
With his sights set on making the jump to the NHL, McGroarty reportedly felt his best chances lay elsewhere. The Jets have remained competitive and prioritize winning over giving young prospects a chance on the main roster.
In response, Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff began to entertain trade offers for McGroarty. As a result, the Penguins and the Jets have now agreed to a prospect swap, sending McGroarty to the Penguins in exchange for Brayden Yager.
Elliotte Friedman broke the news on Thursday, sparking responses from fans around the league who were quick to debate the move and whether or not it was a good decision by the Jets.
"How did Dubas cook this up?" one wrote.
"Jets got fleeced!!" another added.
Others seemingly agreed about the trade being favorable for the Penguins:
Others expressed the opposite stance, arguing that Winnipeg got the better of the deal:
"If this is true W Jets, Yager has so much potential. McGroartys attitude isn’t what the jets need so getting return like that would be great," one wrote.
"DUBAS DISASTERCLASS," another joked.
Looking at Rutger McGroarty and Brayden Yager's recent seasons leading up to Thursday's trade
Rutger McGroarty is fresh off a big year with the University of Michigan, where he logged 52 points (16 goals, 36 assists) in just 36 games. He was one of the top ten goal scorers in the NCAA last season, and the Nebraska native then kept the momentum going at the World Junior Championships.
McGroarty captained Team USA to their first goal medal at the WJC since 2021. In seven games, he improved his numbers from last year, logging nine points.
On the flip side, Brayden Yager is fresh off his third straight season with the Moose Jaw Warriors in the WHL. Last season, he managed to improve on his numbers from the previous season despite playing in ten fewer games.
After logging 78 points (28 goals, 50 assists) during the 2022-23 season, Yager finished the 2023-24 season with 95 points (35 goals, 60 assists). In addition, he also was recognized as a Memorial Cup All-Star while winning the Brad Hornung Trophy for the second straight year.
Given that Rutger McGroarty has been eager to make the jump to the NHL, it sounds as though he will likely play for the Penguins this year, while Yager takes another year to develop.
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