It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re closing in on the start of the NHL Draft and free agency in the next few days. The Stanley Cup was handed out, but there’s plenty to discuss despite the season being over. Deals are going to be coming in at a break-neck pace and general managers have a lot to do. Some players are looking for a change of location and trying to force a trade. This edition of NHL rumours takes a look at one Winnipeg Jets prospect that may be on the move.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to cange.
NHL Rumours
Winnipeg Jets Prospect On Trade Block
Rumour: The Athletic’s Murat Ates offered an update on the Rutger McGroarty situation. Reports emerged that the 2022 first-round pick in the NHL Draft wants to be traded.
Winnipeg signed Dylan DeMelo to a four year, $4.9 million AAV contract yesterday.
Could Sean Monahan be next?
The pros and cons, plus other forward targets that could make sense for the #NHLJets — with or without Monahan back in the fold:https://t.co/fbsxoaXVnj
— Murat Ates (@WPGMurat) June 26, 2024
Analysis: McGroarty’s trade demand has seemingly throw the Jets off-season plans into chaos. Winnipeg General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff was already likely to trade forward Nikolaj Ehlers during the off-season. However, adding McGroarty to the list is another thing for him to have on his plate.
Despite this trade demand, Cheveldayoff has been able to spin deals for players that want out of Manitoba. The Jets GM was able stockpile players and picks in deals involving Andrew Copp and Pierre-Luc Dubois. Both players didn’t play on re-signing with the club, but Cheveldayoff was able to get something out of these deals. A McGroarty deal may likely yield something beneficial for the Jets.
Where Does McGroarty Go?
Winnipeg doesn’t have a first-round pick this season, but could be able to score one. Ates looked at teams that have multiple first-round choices at this year’s event at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Teams like the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Anaheim Ducks, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators and Calgary Flames each have two picks in the opening-round. A highly-touted prospect like McGroarty could be appealing for a team as part of a package.
However, another team could step and make a player for the University of Michigan product. McGroarty had a great development camp in 2023 that got Jets fans excited. However, it seems he wants to find a way out much the way Cutter Gauthier did. A trade for pick may not be the most exciting prospect, but Cheveldayoff may try to force his way back into the first round this way.
Pressure on the System
McGroarty wanting out expose a problem that the Jets are having. Winnipeg isn’t the sexiest free agent destination, so the team has to draft most of its assets. Their success in drafting is how the team became a Stanley Cup contender. The Jets need players that can outdo their first and second contracts before hitting the open market. A similar strategy is used by the Tampa Bay Rays in the MLB. They have a great development system and keep restocking the pipeline when players do eventually leave.
There was hope that McGroarty was going to be a young player that outperformed his deal. However, the former 14th overall selection wants to move on. It’s now up to the Jets in order to salvage something out of this.
Main photo by: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
