Penguins acquire Rutger McGroarty for Brayden Yager

[Antonio]

I will say that the change from a C prospect to a W prospect could be a negative if both turn out to be good as I think quality C are harder to come by than serviceable W.

Interesting to see play out although I admit to having significantly reduced interest in things like this as long as Sullivan remains because I'm firmly of the opinion that new talent, young players, etc are being placed in a firmly negative and unproductive environment completely unsuited to proper development and maximized organizational benefit as long as the coaching staff isn't cleaned out and scrubbed with bleach after.

[dark_forces]

Ok so where's the rub? Why would another team supposed 1 for 1 prospect trade and give up a guy who usually supposedly universally regards as overall better and closer to being ready for an inferior talent in every way? I mean, unless McG didn't want to sign or play in WPG? Only reason I could imagine unless there is something else here.

That is the reason. The article linked above explains it well.

Well in that case it sounds like a win win for us based on current projected development paths, although ultimately we really don't know anything really. Y could be a superstar and McG a failure or the reverse or a variation. On paper though, sounds like a great move forced by his unhappiness.

I read somewhere that by the time a prospect has reached 20 or 21 years of age, it's much easier to evaluate them on pro potential. The fact that McGroarty is already 20, while Yager is 19, helps put my mind at ease that they indeed have a better idea of his development path and believe he's very close to regular NHL duty. I think the leadership ability, rallying the troops type of vocal leader, pushes him a notch above.
I seem to recall rumors that Hextall was interested in him/had him highly rated during that draft.

[Puck-Lurker]

Ok so where's the rub? Why would another team supposed 1 for 1 prospect trade and give up a guy who usually supposedly universally regards as overall better and closer to being ready for an inferior talent in every way? I mean, unless McG didn't want to sign or play in WPG? Only reason I could imagine unless there is something else here.

That is the reason. The article linked above explains it well.

Well in that case it sounds like a win win for us based on current projected development paths, although ultimately we really don't know anything really. Y could be a superstar and McG a failure or the reverse or a variation. On paper though, sounds like a great move forced by his unhappiness.

I read somewhere that by the time a prospect has reached 20 or 21 years of age, it's much easier to evaluate them on pro potential. The fact that McGroarty is already 20, while Yager is 19, helps put my mind at ease that they indeed have a better idea of his development path and believe he's very close to regular NHL duty. I think the leadership ability, rallying the troops type of vocal leader, pushes him a notch above.
I seem to recall rumors that Hextall was interested in him/had him highly rated during that draft.

Okay, I take everything back. I hate the trade now, worst move ever.

[Antonio]

Ok so where's the rub? Why would another team supposed 1 for 1 prospect trade and give up a guy who usually supposedly universally regards as overall better and closer to being ready for an inferior talent in every way? I mean, unless McG didn't want to sign or play in WPG? Only reason I could imagine unless there is something else here.

That is the reason. The article linked above explains it well.

Well in that case it sounds like a win win for us based on current projected development paths, although ultimately we really don't know anything really. Y could be a superstar and McG a failure or the reverse or a variation. On paper though, sounds like a great move forced by his unhappiness.

I read somewhere that by the time a prospect has reached 20 or 21 years of age, it's much easier to evaluate them on pro potential. The fact that McGroarty is already 20, while Yager is 19, helps put my mind at ease that they indeed have a better idea of his development path and believe he's very close to regular NHL duty. I think the leadership ability, rallying the troops type of vocal leader, pushes him a notch above.
I seem to recall rumors that Hextall was interested in him/had him highly rated during that draft.

We'll see for sure. Although since WPG didn't seem to think he was ready, that could be a bit of a flag and honestly, I wouldn't trust Hextall to tell me sugar is sweet so...

Still, everything on paper still points to this being a good move for us overall.

[Pitts]

Ok so where's the rub? Why would another team supposed 1 for 1 prospect trade and give up a guy who usually supposedly universally regards as overall better and closer to being ready for an inferior talent in every way? I mean, unless McG didn't want to sign or play in WPG? Only reason I could imagine unless there is something else here.

If McGroarty wasn't going to sign in Winnipeg, he's useless to them and Yager is already under contract. Jets get a player on a similar level, but projected slightly lower, who pretty much has to be playing for them.

Personally, I find the "I won't sign with/play for <insert NHL team>" a distasteful and unprofessional stance, though it's within their rights.

Well in that case it sounds like a win win for us based on current projected development paths, although ultimately we really don't know anything really. Y could be a superstar and McG a failure or the reverse or a variation. On paper though, sounds like a great move forced by his unhappiness.

Yes. And entirely agreed.

About his not playing, that article mentions that the Jets were more keen to him going to the AHL for a season or two and he did not want to do that - choosing to go back to college rather than the A. IDK - he seems like he just might be a leader down the road that we will be looking for for what I'm reading.

[Pitts]

Another thought - EVEN MOAR WINGERZ! It's getting a little crazy. I think a vet or two will need to be moved.

[Pens Fans Sweden]

I would not mind these lines:

McGroarty-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
O'Connor-Eller-Puustinen
Beauvillier-Lizotte-Puljujärvi

However, no way Sullivan scratches both Acciari and Hayes and Glass will probably have a good shot at the NHL as well.

Mots likely lines:

O'Connor-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvillier-Hayes-Puustinen
Lizotte-Eller-Acciari

Glass and Puljujärvi as scratches and McGroarty starts in the AHL.

There will probably be another trade coming before camp and things will be easier to project by that time.

[FLPensFan]

Ok so where's the rub? Why would another team supposed 1 for 1 prospect trade and give up a guy who usually supposedly universally regards as overall better and closer to being ready for an inferior talent in every way? I mean, unless McG didn't want to sign or play in WPG? Only reason I could imagine unless there is something else here.

If McGroarty wasn't going to sign in Winnipeg, he's useless to them and Yager is already under contract. Jets get a player on a similar level, but projected slightly lower, who pretty much has to be playing for them.

Personally, I find the "I won't sign with/play for <insert NHL team>" a distasteful and unprofessional stance, though it's within their rights.

Well in that case it sounds like a win win for us based on current projected development paths, although ultimately we really don't know anything really. Y could be a superstar and McG a failure or the reverse or a variation. On paper though, sounds like a great move forced by his unhappiness.

Yes. And entirely agreed.

About his not playing, that article mentions that the Jets were more keen to him going to the AHL for a season or two and he did not want to do that - choosing to go back to college rather than the A. IDK - he seems like he just might be a leader down the road that we will be looking for for what I'm reading.

Here are the top 6 scorers of the US National development team in 21-22 season. Howard drafted 31st overall by Tampa, Cooley 3rd overall in Arizona, Nazar 13th overall by Chicago, McGroarty 14th overall by Winnipeg, Gauthier 5th overall by Philly, Hutson 2nd round by Montreal, Snuggerud 23rd overall by STL.

1.
USA flag
Isaac Howard (LW)
Tampa Bay Lightning logo
60 33 49 82 42 31
2.
USA flag
Logan Cooley (C)
Utah Hockey Club logo
51 27 48 75 67 38
3.
USA flag
Frank Nazar (C/RW)
Chicago Blackhawks logo
56 28 42 70 20 38
4.
USA flagCanada flag
Rutger McGroarty (C/LW)
Pittsburgh Penguins logo
54 35 34 69 65 54
5.
USA flag
Cutter Gauthier (LW/C)
Anaheim Ducks logo
54 34 31 65 49 33
6.
USA flag
Jimmy Snuggerud (RW)
St. Louis Blues logo
59 24 39 63 32 27
7.
USA flag
Lane Hutson (D)
Montréal Canadiens logo
60 10 53 63 51 59


McGroarty also played with Adam Fantilli in Michigan. Fantilli went 3rd overall to Columbus. In 22-23, Fantilli had 30 goals, 35 assists, 65 points in 36 games for Michigan. McGroarty had 18 goals, 21 assists, 39 points in 39 games that year for Michigan. Last year, McGroarty increased to 16 goals, 36 assists, 52 points in 36 games. So he may not have the higher end goal scoring, but for a winger, he sure looked like he could distribute and setup his teammates well.

Here's what Elite Prospects said about him: Where most players outrace, he delays with a cutback or simply entering a glide and angling away from backpressure. Those delays house his playmaking, where he’s deceptive, precise, and identifying the best play. Uses give-and-gos instead of deking, and consistently occupies the space that maximizes his odds of getting the puck back. He’s a bull, too. Relentlessly attacks the inside, combining skill and physicality.

That is why McGroarty felt he was NHL ready. He was playing with Fantilli at Michigan, Nazar and Cooley in the US National Development team, and all of those guys have already made their NHL debut. I don't know if Winnipeg didn't feel he was ready, or just that Winnipeg didn't have a spot in their top 9 for him. Either way, I think a US player going to Winnipeg too, probably wasn't very appealing.

Here's some highlights of McGroarty, wearing #2 for Michigan:

[Puck-Lurker]

I haven't been this excited and interested in training camp in years. Genuinely curious what moves Dubas makes before then, I don't think he's done shucking and jiving.

Also, sign Crosby. I don't care if that means you have to keep Sullivan.

[FLPensFan]

I would not mind these lines:

McGroarty-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
O'Connor-Eller-Puustinen
Beauvillier-Lizotte-Puljujärvi

However, no way Sullivan scratches both Acciari and Hayes and Glass will probably have a good shot at the NHL as well.

Mots likely lines:

O'Connor-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Rakell
Beauvillier-Hayes-Puustinen
Lizotte-Eller-Acciari

Glass and Puljujärvi as scratches and McGroarty starts in the AHL.

There will probably be another trade coming before camp and things will be easier to project by that time.

I very much like your lines, although, I may switch DOC and McGroarty to start. One thing about McGroarty is even though he's a wing, he likes to setup linemates a lot too. McGroarty on a line with Puustinen, who can rip shots, would be very interesting.

I'd really love to see Dubas trade Acciari. We have too many guys that I would like to see in the lineup that are going to be pushed out because Hayes, Eller, and Acciari are here...and I like Eller the best of the 3. Glass, Puljujarvi, and Puustinien should not be sitting for Hayes and Acciari.

[Pens4Life]

Hate losing Yager, but love adding McGroarty, he can be Sid's LW soon, he is smart physical player, loves pressing in offensive zone, has some scoring touch. If not Sid's LW, he can play RW as well and 3rd line minutes this upcoming season at least.

More trades needs to come, we only need 3 out of Eller, Hayes, Glass, Acciari, Lizotte..

[pens_CT]

I haven't been this excited and interested in training camp in years. Genuinely curious what moves Dubas makes before then, I don't think he's done shucking and jiving.

Also, sign Crosby. I don't care if that means you have to keep Sullivan.

Lots of bodies looking for very few openings should make for some serious competition in camp.

[DelPen]

Ok so where's the rub? Why would another team supposed 1 for 1 prospect trade and give up a guy who usually supposedly universally regards as overall better and closer to being ready for an inferior talent in every way? I mean, unless McG didn't want to sign or play in WPG? Only reason I could imagine unless there is something else here.

That's it. He refused to sign in WPG, so they didn't have a ton of leverage. Getting Yager was a good get by WPG as well. But McGroarty is a better prospect with much more physicality and intangibles.

This can be viewed as doing the Jets a favor by giving them a very good prospect for a guy they could had lost for nothing. now hopefully he will sign here.

[Badamski9]

Ok so where's the rub? Why would another team supposed 1 for 1 prospect trade and give up a guy who usually supposedly universally regards as overall better and closer to being ready for an inferior talent in every way? I mean, unless McG didn't want to sign or play in WPG? Only reason I could imagine unless there is something else here.

That's it. He refused to sign in WPG, so they didn't have a ton of leverage. Getting Yager was a good get by WPG as well. But McGroarty is a better prospect with much more physicality and intangibles.

This can be viewed as doing the Jets a favor by giving them a very good prospect for a guy they could had lost for nothing. now hopefully he will sign here.

He's already signed.

[KG]

Ok so where's the rub? Why would another team supposed 1 for 1 prospect trade and give up a guy who usually supposedly universally regards as overall better and closer to being ready for an inferior talent in every way? I mean, unless McG didn't want to sign or play in WPG? Only reason I could imagine unless there is something else here.

That's it. He refused to sign in WPG, so they didn't have a ton of leverage. Getting Yager was a good get by WPG as well. But McGroarty is a better prospect with much more physicality and intangibles.

This can be viewed as doing the Jets a favor by giving them a very good prospect for a guy they could had lost for nothing. now hopefully he will sign here.

Jets got a ton of interest in McGroarty I’m sure. He skilled and plays physical. GM’s fall over themselves for players with that skill set.

Have to give to get. Yager is the only prospect the Pens had that would interest the Jets. I like the trade a lot. Hopefully McGroarty has a great camp and earns himself a top 6 role.

Has future captain type of leadership skills too.

[KG]

[Daniel]

Ok so where's the rub? Why would another team supposed 1 for 1 prospect trade and give up a guy who usually supposedly universally regards as overall better and closer to being ready for an inferior talent in every way? I mean, unless McG didn't want to sign or play in WPG? Only reason I could imagine unless there is something else here.

If McGroarty wasn't going to sign in Winnipeg, he's useless to them and Yager is already under contract. Jets get a player on a similar level, but projected slightly lower, who pretty much has to be playing for them.

Personally, I find the "I won't sign with/play for <insert NHL team>" a distasteful and unprofessional stance, though it's within their rights.

Well in that case it sounds like a win win for us based on current projected development paths, although ultimately we really don't know anything really. Y could be a superstar and McG a failure or the reverse or a variation. On paper though, sounds like a great move forced by his unhappiness.

Yes. And entirely agreed.

About his not playing, that article mentions that the Jets were more keen to him going to the AHL for a season or two and he did not want to do that - choosing to go back to college rather than the A. IDK - he seems like he just might be a leader down the road that we will be looking for for what I'm reading.

Here are the top 6 scorers of the US National development team in 21-22 season. Howard drafted 31st overall by Tampa, Cooley 3rd overall in Arizona, Nazar 13th overall by Chicago, McGroarty 14th overall by Winnipeg, Gauthier 5th overall by Philly, Hutson 2nd round by Montreal, Snuggerud 23rd overall by STL.

1.
USA flag
Isaac Howard (LW)
Tampa Bay Lightning logo
60 33 49 82 42 31
2.
USA flag
Logan Cooley (C)
Utah Hockey Club logo
51 27 48 75 67 38
3.
USA flag
Frank Nazar (C/RW)
Chicago Blackhawks logo
56 28 42 70 20 38
4.
USA flagCanada flag
Rutger McGroarty (C/LW)
Pittsburgh Penguins logo
54 35 34 69 65 54
5.
USA flag
Cutter Gauthier (LW/C)
Anaheim Ducks logo
54 34 31 65 49 33
6.
USA flag
Jimmy Snuggerud (RW)
St. Louis Blues logo
59 24 39 63 32 27
7.
USA flag
Lane Hutson (D)
Montréal Canadiens logo
60 10 53 63 51 59


McGroarty also played with Adam Fantilli in Michigan. Fantilli went 3rd overall to Columbus. In 22-23, Fantilli had 30 goals, 35 assists, 65 points in 36 games for Michigan. McGroarty had 18 goals, 21 assists, 39 points in 39 games that year for Michigan. Last year, McGroarty increased to 16 goals, 36 assists, 52 points in 36 games. So he may not have the higher end goal scoring, but for a winger, he sure looked like he could distribute and setup his teammates well.

Here's what Elite Prospects said about him: Where most players outrace, he delays with a cutback or simply entering a glide and angling away from backpressure. Those delays house his playmaking, where he’s deceptive, precise, and identifying the best play. Uses give-and-gos instead of deking, and consistently occupies the space that maximizes his odds of getting the puck back. He’s a bull, too. Relentlessly attacks the inside, combining skill and physicality.

That is why McGroarty felt he was NHL ready. He was playing with Fantilli at Michigan, Nazar and Cooley in the US National Development team, and all of those guys have already made their NHL debut. I don't know if Winnipeg didn't feel he was ready, or just that Winnipeg didn't have a spot in their top 9 for him. Either way, I think a US player going to Winnipeg too, probably wasn't very appealing.

Here's some highlights of McGroarty, wearing #2 for Michigan:

He reads a bit like Poulin, though can't remember if Poulin is as physical. Skating might keep him out of the top 6.

If there’s a knock on McGroarty it’s that his skating is below average and he will not be able to create separation with his feet. Additionally, while he is skilled, he may lack a dynamic enough element to be a true top-six scorer.

https://www.flohockey.tv/articles/12789 ... o-winnipeg

[Daniel]

Ok so where's the rub? Why would another team supposed 1 for 1 prospect trade and give up a guy who usually supposedly universally regards as overall better and closer to being ready for an inferior talent in every way? I mean, unless McG didn't want to sign or play in WPG? Only reason I could imagine unless there is something else here.

If McGroarty wasn't going to sign in Winnipeg, he's useless to them and Yager is already under contract. Jets get a player on a similar level, but projected slightly lower, who pretty much has to be playing for them.

Personally, I find the "I won't sign with/play for <insert NHL team>" a distasteful and unprofessional stance, though it's within their rights.

Well in that case it sounds like a win win for us based on current projected development paths, although ultimately we really don't know anything really. Y could be a superstar and McG a failure or the reverse or a variation. On paper though, sounds like a great move forced by his unhappiness.

Yes. And entirely agreed.

About his not playing, that article mentions that the Jets were more keen to him going to the AHL for a season or two and he did not want to do that - choosing to go back to college rather than the A. IDK - he seems like he just might be a leader down the road that we will be looking for for what I'm reading.

Here are the top 6 scorers of the US National development team in 21-22 season. Howard drafted 31st overall by Tampa, Cooley 3rd overall in Arizona, Nazar 13th overall by Chicago, McGroarty 14th overall by Winnipeg, Gauthier 5th overall by Philly, Hutson 2nd round by Montreal, Snuggerud 23rd overall by STL.

1.
USA flag
Isaac Howard (LW)
Tampa Bay Lightning logo
60 33 49 82 42 31
2.
USA flag
Logan Cooley (C)
Utah Hockey Club logo
51 27 48 75 67 38
3.
USA flag
Frank Nazar (C/RW)
Chicago Blackhawks logo
56 28 42 70 20 38
4.
USA flagCanada flag
Rutger McGroarty (C/LW)
Pittsburgh Penguins logo
54 35 34 69 65 54
5.
USA flag
Cutter Gauthier (LW/C)
Anaheim Ducks logo
54 34 31 65 49 33
6.
USA flag
Jimmy Snuggerud (RW)
St. Louis Blues logo
59 24 39 63 32 27
7.
USA flag
Lane Hutson (D)
Montréal Canadiens logo
60 10 53 63 51 59


McGroarty also played with Adam Fantilli in Michigan. Fantilli went 3rd overall to Columbus. In 22-23, Fantilli had 30 goals, 35 assists, 65 points in 36 games for Michigan. McGroarty had 18 goals, 21 assists, 39 points in 39 games that year for Michigan. Last year, McGroarty increased to 16 goals, 36 assists, 52 points in 36 games. So he may not have the higher end goal scoring, but for a winger, he sure looked like he could distribute and setup his teammates well.

Here's what Elite Prospects said about him: Where most players outrace, he delays with a cutback or simply entering a glide and angling away from backpressure. Those delays house his playmaking, where he’s deceptive, precise, and identifying the best play. Uses give-and-gos instead of deking, and consistently occupies the space that maximizes his odds of getting the puck back. He’s a bull, too. Relentlessly attacks the inside, combining skill and physicality.

That is why McGroarty felt he was NHL ready. He was playing with Fantilli at Michigan, Nazar and Cooley in the US National Development team, and all of those guys have already made their NHL debut. I don't know if Winnipeg didn't feel he was ready, or just that Winnipeg didn't have a spot in their top 9 for him. Either way, I think a US player going to Winnipeg too, probably wasn't very appealing.

Here's some highlights of McGroarty, wearing #2 for Michigan:

He reads a bit like Poulin, though can't remember if Poulin is as physical. Don't get me wrong, I like what I read about both players. Just that skating might keep him out of the top 6, or lineup altogether.

If there’s a knock on McGroarty it’s that his skating is below average and he will not be able to create separation with his feet. Additionally, while he is skilled, he may lack a dynamic enough element to be a true top-six scorer.

https://www.flohockey.tv/articles/12789 ... o-winnipeg

[FLPensFan]

Post trade, there are 2 knocks I've heard on Yager:

1) The Penguins initially view Yager as 2C potentially. If the Penguins still felt that way, it's very unlikely he would have been dealt. 2C much harder to acquire than top 6 winger, so the thinking is Penguins we're no longer viewing him as NHL center capable, or a 3C at best.

2) Some scouts said Yager shied away from offense against big time opponents and in bigger games. He'd take on a more defensive role in those games.

[Maestro]

The new Jake

[FLPensFan]

From DK's article, more on why McGroarty didn't want to sign in Winnipeg, even though their GM claims he really doesn't know:

--McGroarty played with guys like Frank Nazar, Logan Cooley, and Adam Fantilli between Michigan and US Development team. All those guys are in the NHL, and McGroarty and Brisson both felt McGroarty was ready to make the jump.
--The Jets either didn't offer him a contract, or didn't offer him a chance to make the NHL team. Could have been sign today, go to AHL for awhile and then we'll see.
--McGroarty saw 19 year old Cole Perfetti on the NHL roster before him, and also saw him spending quite a bit of time as a healthy scratch.

All of those things added up, and McGroarty felt it was best to go elsewhere, to a team that was more in line with his and Brisson's thinking that he was ready to play NHL minutes this season.

[BlackNGold4Life]

If Horny could play on Sid’s wing. This kids can. He already skates better and has more skill. Maybe a cross between Kunitz and Horny with a bit more playmaking. Definitely like getting some size and a power forward type. He produced more his second year of college without Cooley. And against men. College guys seem to transfer well too.

Who knows how it ends up in 5-7 years. But it’s smart, today. And most make this move.

[BigMcK]

"All of those things added up, and McGroarty felt it was best to go elsewhere, to a team that was more in line with his and Brisson's thinking that he was ready to play NHL minutes this season."

While displaying some swagger, he has to know those NHL minutes will be played against NHL players. Good to see him call his shot over the fence.

[FLPensFan]

If Horny could play on Sid’s wing. This kids can. He already skates better and has more skill. Maybe a cross between Kunitz and Horny with a bit more playmaking. Definitely like getting some size and a power forward type. He produced more his second year of college without Cooley. And against men. College guys seem to transfer well too.

Who knows how it ends up in 5-7 years. But it’s smart, today. And most make this move.

Yeah, a lot of what I'm reading says the focus on his skating is a little overblown. He's not fast, he's got average NHL speed and maybe a bit of a wonky stride. But, average speed is fine. Skating is his weakness, and if just being average speed is his biggest weakness, it's fine. I'm not sure where he would compare to Sam Poulin in that regard. I also read that McGroarty has been working constantly with a highly regarded skating coach for the past 3 summers. I'm not too worried about his skating, and agree that if Horny could do it, McGroarty should be able to as well.

I'd almost like to see him start on the 3rd line, and force his way onto Sid's line...unless he has some instant chemistry with Sid in camp.

[Antonio]

Won't he be ecstatic when he comes here and Sullivan refuses to give him a chance and then he realizes what REALLY not getting a fair shot looks like.