According to one of the NHL’s top insiders, The Penguins and Winnipeg Jets are swapping their top prospects.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the Pittsburgh Penguins are acquiring forward Rutger McGroarty from the Jets. They’ll be sending Brayden Yager to Winnipeg.
The 20-year-old McGroarty was taken 14th overall by the Jets in the 2022 draft.
He’s played the last two seasons at the University of Michigan. Last season, he scored 16 goals and has 36 assists over 36 games. He’s also played on the U.S. National Team.
Earlier this year, McGroarty said he was returning to Michigan for the upcoming season even after the Jets reportedly offered him a contract to go pro.
The Penguins drafted Yager 14th overall in the NHL Draft in 2023.
The 19-year-old signed an entry-level contract with the Penguins over the summer.
Yager had 35 goals and 60 assists in 57 games last year for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League.