Blockbuster trade falls apart as teams confirm Jets player is problematic

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Liam McCormick
July 10, 2024 (2:10 PM)

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In the past few weeks, reports have emerged that the Winnipeg Jets top prospect Rutger McGroarty will be traded, and it's a situation full of hard feelings.

According to sources, McGroarty requested the trade as he's been unhappy with the organization for not assuring him a roster spot, ice time, and other things. The Jets see this behaviour as a red flag and have been looking to move him, but now other teams are also reluctant to trade for him for the same concerns.

I've heard that even the trade talks that have happened, those have led to extreme frustration because there are other teams that might be interested in Rutger McGroarty, that are hearing a lot of the same things from the McGroarty camp that the Jets have heard. In terms of playing time, assurances . . .

There may have been one particular deal that was pretty close to happening, that essentially fell apart because the other team didn't like what they were hearing either from the McGroarty camp.

McGroarty is a rightfully highly ranked prospect, and was drafted 14th overall by the Jets in 2022. However, it goes against NHL conventions for a young prospect to dictate assurances to the team - the prospect needs to earn it. Being a college drafted player, McGroarty could easily not sign with the Jets, walk in free agency, and leave the team with nothing.

Any number of teams could be interested in acquiring a forward prospect like McGroarty, but these reports of red flag behaviour will seriously put a curb on his league-wide perception. If he's not an NHL star immediately upon entering the league, this will follow him around for a while.

Source: SportsTalkWPG

McGroarty trade reportedly falls through

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