BREAKING: The Bruins to consider acquiring Rutger McGroarty from the Jets.
On Friday, June 28, the NHL Draft is scheduled to start, and on Monday, July 1, the free-agent frenzy will commence. A few significant transactions have already occurred, including the return of Ryan McDonagh to the Tampa Bay Lightning and the acquisition of goalkeeper Jacob Markstrom by the New Jersey Devils. The Ottawa Senators are the clear favorite in the Linus Ullmark sweepstakes, which is starting to gain momentum. Regarding the Boston Bruins, there is one player about whom a significant splash would be worthwhile.
McGroarty Is Not Content in Winnipeg
Due to a falling out, the Philadelphia Flyers traded Cutter Gauthier, their 2022 draft pick, to the Anaheim Ducks this season in exchange for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a 2025 second-round pick. Elliotte Friedman of the 32 Thoughts Podcast claims that Rutger McGroarty, a Winnipeg Jets prospect, and the team are in a similar predicament.
The report suggests that a deal involving McGroarty is almost certain. He left the organization early to express his dissatisfaction and returned to the University of Michigan for his junior year. General Manager Don Sweeney should seize the chance to sign him if he were to become available.
Introducing Young People Into The Group
Superstar forward David Pastrnak and experienced captain Brad Marchand lead the well-established Bruins core, while Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, and Hampus Lindholm lead the team’s back end. The best part is that four of the five players are indigenous talent who progressed through the ranks to establish themselves as essential members of the squad. On March 19, 2022, Lindholm was acquired by the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for John Moore, Urho Vaakanainen, a 2022 first-round pick, and second-round picks in 2023 and 2024. Nevertheless, the team needs to replenish its roster and bring in more young.
McGroarty was chosen as high as he was in 2022—14th overall—for a reason. He is a flexible forward with the ability to play left flank or center. Along with his offensive prowess, he also has a deadly shot and excellent playmaking skills. McGroarty has an incredible hockey IQ and excels at handling the puck.
Since the 2021–2022 fiscal year, he has produced more. McGroarty scored one point per game while playing in the USHL, finishing with 33 points in 25 games. He joined the U.S. National U18 Team that same year and was a dominant player. He scored 35 goals and 69 points in 54 games. He brought this caliber of play to the University of Michigan NCAA.
McGroarty played in some of Michigan’s most illustrious clubs and had a fantastic collegiate career. He scored 18 goals and 39 points in his debut season at Michigan (2022–2023). Though he participated in fewer games, his performance increased in his sophomore campaign, recording a career-high 18 goals and 36 assists.
In addition, he participated in the World Junior Championships from 2021 to 2024 as a point-per-game player. Being a young, gifted player, he presents a challenge to the Bruins in terms of acquisition.
The Obstacle to Purchasing McGroarty
The package the Ducks forfeited in order to acquire Gauthier should indicate the price the Bruins would have to pay: a young player who can instantly make an impact in the lineup and a selection. With their tiny roster, the Bruins may find it difficult to obtain draft picks, particularly in the 2024 NHL Draft when they will only have a fourth-round pick. They will have to change course if they hope to acquire McGroarty.
The Bruins do not possess a second-round pick; instead, they hold their first-round pick in 2025. Sweeney may decide to switch to 2026 and exchange their second-round pick for McGroarty, or they may throw their first-round pick from 2025. Additionally, they may use the assets in that return to purchase valued goalkeeper Ullmark, depending on the outcome. Even though it won’t be simple, he fits in the organization’s lineup and is needed.
McGroarty Meets A Requirement
Purchasing a potential such as McGroarty satisfies a need. He would provide the Bruins with a quality young player and aid in replenishing the prospect pool. In addition, he can be a significant player in the upcoming Bruins hockey wave and added to the starting lineup.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Jake DeBrusk’s future with the team, the Bruins require another effective winger to complement Pastrnak. Throughout his career, McGroarty has been productive and has improved. He would be the ideal addition to the team. If you’re Sweeney, it’s definitely worth looking into this man.