University of Michigan forward Rutger McGroarty, a top Winnipeg Jets prospect, could be traded before the NHL Draft.
Rumors are circulating after Elliotte Friedman reported trade talks are underway for the 20-year-old McGroarty. McGroarty recently announced he would be returning to Ann Arbor for his junior season, sparking speculation that this could cause tension between the Jets and the player. McGroarty seems more than ready to play professional hockey.
The Jets drafted McGroarty, out of Nebraska, 14th overall in 2022. McGroarty is a tough forward who appeared in 35 games last season at Michigan, scoring 16 goals and 52 points.
The presumption is that if the Jets were to trade McGroarty, they would demand at least a top half of the first round draft pick.
Montreal Hockey Now's Marc Dumont weighs in on whether the Montreal Canadiens have interest in McGroarty.
Freezion #NHLJets McGroarty: I'm being cautious because no one's talking about it, but his name is in trade talks or teams are in talks about acquiring his rights. But it's interesting that he decided to go back to the NCAA and the Jets don't have the #1 pick in the draft. https://t.co/SWhtFoqC3i pic.twitter.com/QfkRzAS6Uj
— WPG Chief (@WPG_Chief) June 22, 2024
Red Wings For those who missed it
General manager Steve Yzerman has said he would like to sign one or more of his free agents, including Patrick Kane, David Perron and Shayne Gostisbehere, but Yzerman said he's not sure if he'll be able to sign any of them.
The Florida Panthers could become the only team to lose in the Stanley Cup Finals after blowing a 3-0 series lead, joining the Detroit Red Wings in 1942. Game 7 of the Panthers' series against the Edmonton Oilers is Monday.
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Red Wings offseason
Regarding Justin Holl's future, Yzerman said Friday: “I don't know if we'll be playing with the same defenseman next year, but Justin's been a good player in the NHL and he always will be. We just haven't had the opportunities, we have the depth and we haven't had any injuries… I'm still in discussions with (Shayne Gostisbehere's) agent and will continue to have discussions. I haven't ruled it out. I'd like to find some solution, but to do that, it could be with Simon and Albert Johansson (joining next season). We have to make room for those two and find a way to make that happen.”
Hockey Now Network
Buffalo: Jason Moser lists the best and worst Sabres draft picks of the 1980s. Buffalo Sabres.
Chicago: Nate Brown examines whether the Blackhawks are in negotiations with the Carolina Hurricanes about a trade for Martin Necas. Chicago Blackhawks.
FLORIDA: Stanley Cup history will be made one way or another in Game 7 on Monday vs. the Florida Panthers.
SAN JOSE: Is Mark Giordano the perfect San Jose player? SJHN explores the question. San Jose Sharks.
