‘Get What I (Earn)’: McGroarty No Promises, Begins Penguins Journey

CRANBERRY — Newly acquired Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rutger McGoarty admitted the Penguins made him no promises regarding where he will play in the coming season. He has been guaranteed a spot in the coming Prospects Challenge tournament, and that is it.

Contrary to widespread perception, which has persisted for a year or more, McGroarty neither demanded an NHL spot nor have the Penguins promised one. It seems the perception he insisted on one might be incorrect. It also might be a moot point.

The 20-year-old, who was the 14th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, has the look and temperament of a player ready to make his NHL debut.

“I’ve been promised a spot in the rookie tournament, and that’s about it,” said McGroarty. “I feel like I’ll get what I deserve. I’m going to come ready to work for camp. I like where my game is at right now.”

In addition to being a top-liner at the University of Michigan, McGroarty was the captain of Team USA, which won the gold medal at the 2024 World Juniors Championship.

The trade talk turned serious last Monday, and by Thursday, he was a Penguin. He quickly signed his entry-level contract and began to put the saga with his drafting team, the Winnipeg Jets, behind him. So far, he’s been to the Strip District and a Pirates game.

For his part, McGroarty didn’t reveal any new information regarding the Winnipeg situation, merely admitting that he and agent Pat Brisson informed Winnipeg he wouldn’t be signing there. He credited Winnipeg for handling the news with class, but that was all he admitted.

“(My agents) said (the trade) was a possibility. I was fired up,” said McGroarty. “It’s a great city, a great organization with a lot of veteran players. It’s awesome.”

The Penguins acquired McGroarty in a surprising trade on the cusp of the 2024-25 NHL season. The player was prepared to return to Michigan for a third season as part of a lengthy stalemate with Winnipeg. McGroarty was the 14th overall selection of the 2022 NHL Draft and has been surrounded by top draft picks at Michigan, including Adam Fantilli, Frank Nazar, and Michael Hage. Fantilli and Nazar have already made their NHL debuts. Hage was taken 21st overall at the 2024 NHL Draft.

A couple of trades involving McGroarty reportedly fell through before the draft as other teams were concerned about his desire to start his career in the NHL.

However, Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff downplayed those reports and rumors last week, saying he had never discussed the “NHL only” insistence with McGroarty.

“We have never had that conversation. Not once,” said Cheveldayoff following the trade in which the Penguins sacrificed their top prospect, Brayden Yager.

Last season, McGroarty scored 16 goals and 56 points in 52 games. College scouts told PHN he primarily played left wing beside Nazar, but some of the player profiles list him as a right wing.

However, there isn’t a definitive answer. McGroarty said he doesn’t care much about which side he plays. He copped to playing both sides and yes, the possibility that he’d skate beside one of the game’s greatest players, Sidney Crosby, crossed his mind.

McGroarty laughed when PHN asked about the possibility of skating beside Crosby.

“That’s a good question,” he said, unable to contain the joy or excitement at the possibility. “I’m comfortable on both sides, right or left, throughout my whole career at Michigan. It’s the same thing. You’re making the same plays.

“Honestly, (Crosby) is the best player in the world. I’ve grown up watching him play. It’s definitely crossed my mind. That would be very cool.”

The player possesses a unique blend of size and playmaking ability. At 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, he’s got the stature for the pro game. However, even a cursory viewing of his highlight reel shows goals scored in front, but also slick passes through the slot.

His acquisition did more to change the tenor and tone of the Penguins offseason than any other move. Until the later August trade, the Penguins’ acquisitions were confined to short-term plugs such as Kevin Hayes, Matt Grzelcyk, and Anthony Beauvillier.

Thus far, Mcgroarty has been to a Pirates game and has been working at the UPMC Lemieux Complex.

The Penguins will play in the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo from Sept. 13-16. It will be our first look at him in any sort of Penguins jersey, but he very well could land somewhere in the Penguins NHL lineup.

But again, no promises.