Pittsburgh Penguins make a surprising roster move with one of their top prospects
The Pittsburgh Penguins have sent Rutger McGroarty down to their AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, a move that likely won't sit well with him.
McGroarty, traded to Pittsburgh from the Winnipeg Jets earlier this offseason, didn't leave Winnipeg on the best terms. Reports suggested he requested a trade, and rumors circulated about his attitude. Some said his demands even caused deals with other teams to fall through. That reputation followed him to Pittsburgh.
Now, just a few games into his Penguins career, McGroarty has been demoted to the AHL, sparking fan speculation that he might request another trade, especially with the Penguins playing the Jets, his former team, soon.
Though some fans find the situation amusing his reassignment was expected. McGroarty was a healthy scratch in Pittsburgh's recent game against the Canadiens signaling that he wasn't guaranteed a regular spot in the NHL lineup. General Manager Kyle Dubas had previously expressed a desire for McGroarty to be playing games rather than sitting in the press box which likely factored into the decision.
McGroarty's start with the Penguins hasn't been great. He played three games without recording a point & ended with a minus 1 rating. For someone who fought to leave Winnipeg because he felt held back this reassignment must feel like déjà vu. However as a top 14 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft & a successful college player McGroarty still has potential. His response to this set back will play a major factor on his future in the NHL.
