Big development on a potential new trade between the Canadiens and the Jets

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Elias Edmonson
June 25, 2024 (5:37 PM)

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In a recent edition of his podcast, Elliotte Friedman stated that the Winnipeg Jets' prospect, Rutger McGroarty, might be on the trading block.

This is a major development.

Murat Ates, who covers the Jets for The Athletic, added more to the story. According to him, McGroarty will be traded before the draft, even though the organization would like to agree with him on contract terms.

The problem here is not that the 14th overall pick of the 2022 draft dislikes the city, but rather that the Jets and McGroarty have different visions for how his development should proceed.

Rutger McGroarty available on the trade market and is an ideal target for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens

Indeed, the young man believes he is ready to make an impact in the NHL, while Kevin Cheveldayoff and his assistants think that a stint in the AHL would be preferable.

«The Jets did not consider McGroarty ready to make that kind of impact, nor to guarantee him a spot in the NHL next season. McGroarty could sign and attend training camp, but he risked being demoted to the AHL instead of trying to lead his Michigan team to a national championship.

This is not a situation where the player wants to leave Winnipeg due to his opinion of the city. On the contrary, it seems there is a discrepancy between how the Jets see McGroarty's development and how McGroarty envisions his own future. The desire to play in the NHL played a significant role in his decision not to sign in April; in fact, he considered himself more ready than the team did.» - Murat Ates

By being traded, McGroarty would have the chance to play in the NHL as early as next season. By staying with the Jets, he could return to the University of Michigan for another season.

In his second season in the NCAA, the 20-year-old forward amassed 52 points, including 16 goals, in 36 games. He also showcased his talent on the international stage this winter at the World Junior Hockey Championship, with nine points in seven games.

If McGroarty is indeed available, there is no doubt that Kent Hughes will call Kevin Cheveldayoff to inquire about the price. The price, however, could be high, and the 26th overall pick might not be enough, even though the Jets do not have a first-round pick in the upcoming draft. It may be necessary to offer a significant impact defenseman (Mike Matheson or Kaiden Guhle?) to convince the Jets.

A case to follow!

Credit: DansLesCoulisses
Ruther McGroarty devrait être échangé d'ici le repêchage