Pittsburgh Penguins Rookie Rutger McGroarty is expected not to begin the season in Pittsburgh. He would most likely start down in the AHL in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and await a call-up. The call-up can come at any moment whether it is due to a injury on the main roster or Penguins coaches and front office feel he is worthy of the call-up.
Penguins Rookie Expected To Be Left Off of NHL Roster
This is a rather confusing decision to keep McGroarty off the opening night roster. One of the main reasons McGroarty wanted to get out of Winnipeg is because he was not getting any opportunities to play at the NHL. Now, the same could be potentially happening in Pittsburgh.
The Penguins invested a good amount in acquiring McGroarty when they traded their best prospect at the time in Brayden Yager. One of the main reasons they acquired McGroarty was because they felt he was NHL ready faster than Yager. The expectation was McGroarty was going to be on the NHL roster playing alongside Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.
The Penguins rookie is coming off of his best collegiate season as he had 52 points in 36 games at the University of Michigan. In addition, he also had nine points in seven games for the USA U20 team and was named the captain.
On Thursday, the Penguins had an intersquad scrimmage where the team broke in half on two different rinks. Rink 1 consisted of the main NHL roster. Meanwhile, rink 2 consisted of roster hopefuls and AHL players.
Jesse Puljujarvi Should Not Be On The Main Roster
One player noticeably on the projected opening night roster is forward Jesse Puljujarvi. Puljujarvi joined the Penguins this past season and had just four points in 22 games. His three goals and one assist were the lowest of his career since his rookie year back in the 2016-17 season.
Puljujarvi with his big frame, listed at 6’4 and 201 lbs. only had 40 hits which was also the lowest total of his career since his rookie year. Puljujarvi saw himself often as a healthy scratch for a team that once again just missed the playoffs. For a team that is trying to right the ship, the Penguins coaching staff and front office needs to realize McGroarty is much more valuable both short and long-term to the Penguins success.
Yes, Puljujarvi scored a hat trick in the preseason loss against the Buffalo Sabres. However, one, it is a preseason game and should not mean it will be replicated in the regular season. Also, McGroarty had an assist on one of the goals. Unlike Puljujarvi, McGroarty is a part of the Penguins picture long term and should be getting as many reps as possible.
The Penguins still have five preseason games left so there will still be time for McGroarty to prove he belongs. It will be unknown when McGroarty joins the roster, but if the Penguins want to get back in the playoffs, it better be sooner rather than later. Also, for head coach Mike Sullivan to keep his job.
McGroarty will have the opportunity to prove himself as he is in the lineup Saturday night. He will be in the lineup both Saturday night against the Red Wings and Sunday against the Ottawa Senators.
Putting Pressure on Mike Sullivan
If McGroarty continues to succeed and register points in these preseason games, it will put a lot of pressure on head coach Mike Sullivan and staff. It seems like Sullivan’s main reason for holding McGroarty back is due to his defensive work. In Sullivan’s system, he prioritizes his forwards playing defense. However, McGroarty’s role as a top-six forward should be to produce offensively, not defensively.
Main Photo: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
