Winnipeg Jets make fantastic move to send Rutger McGroarty to Penguins after trade request

In return, the Winnipeg Jets will receive Brayden Yager, a promising 14th overall draft pick of the Penguins in 2023. Last season with the Moose Jaw Warriors, Yager won the WHL championship and scored 95 points in only 57 games.

McGroarty was drafted 14th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2022, and multiple sources reported earlier this year that he demanded a move out of the organization. College hockey in the United States is higher quality than Junior in Canada, but McGroarty scored a much lower rate than Yager, registering 16 goals and 52 points in 36 games.

According to reports from the Athletic, After he wasn't assured a roster spot on the Jets and a minimum amount of ice time, McGroarty demanded the trade, and the Jets were happy to oblige. Some saw his trade demand and ice time assurances as a potential red flag about his presence in the locker room considering the fact he's an unproven player, but there's no doubt he's a very talented. Acquiring Yager in return for a prospect who was certainly not going to play for them, the Jets did extremely well in this trade.

Source for all Player Statistics: HockeyDB