Winnipeg Jets top prospect Rutger McGroarty returns to Michigan: Why he made the decision

Instead of following University of Michigan teammates Gavin Brindley, Frank Nazar and Dylan Duke to the NHL, Winnipeg Jets top prospect Rutger McGroarty has announced he will return to Michigan for the 2024-25 NCAA season.

McGroarty, who was selected 14th overall by the Jets in the 2022 NHL Draft, ended his season with a loss to Boston College in the Frozen Four in St. Paul on April 11. His advisors met with Michigan and the Jets. A few days have passed since then, discussing plans for next season, and the 20-year-old forward chose to return to Michigan.

Rutger McGroarty has announced that he will return to the University of Michigan for the 2024-25 season!#GoBlue〽️ pic.twitter.com/4SU9jG4e3b

— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) April 15, 2024

It's a decision that worries some Jets fans, given the number of Wolverines stars who have signed with the NHL. Jets fans will also remember former Winnipeg prospect Nathan Smith; The Jets' 2018 third-round pick was traded to Arizona in 2022 after it became clear he didn't want to commit to Winnipeg.

This was reported by a source in the league Athletic It's not what was expected for McGroarty: McGroarty's decision was made with his NHL development and the Jets' final roster spot in mind.

As a third-year player at Michigan, his potential to increase his role is clear; With stars like Brindley, Duke and Nazar signed to the NHL, McGroarty will be counted on to deliver. Jacob Truscott also has a chance to be named captain as he completes his fourth year.

Additionally, Winnipeg is a deep team, especially up front and on the wings. Sean Monahan and Tyler Toffoli are the only UFAs on the roster, leaving 2024 No. 10 pick Cole Perfetti. Along with 2022 first round pick Brad Lambert and 2021 second round pick Nikita. Chibrikov has had great success with Manitoba in the AHL this season, it's hard to look at the Jets roster and see NHL playing time. While Nazar played (and scored) in the NHL for Chicago, and Brindley will make his debut for Columbus right away, McGroarty doesn't have the same runway in Winnipeg.

Consider Colby Barlow, Winnipeg's 2023 first-round pick who committed to Manitoba after his junior season ended in April. Barlow is easing into the AHL as the Moose prepare for their playoff run. The Jets organization does not distribute minutes at any level.

McGroarty could have success in the AHL, but his skating needs to work before entering the NHL. He is slated to play a major role on Michigan's 2024-25 team. It's easy to imagine him surpassing his 16-goal, 36-assist mark as he continues to develop his all-around game in a healthy season.

With that kind of success, it's easier to imagine McGroarty signing with the Jets this time next year and making an immediate impact for the 2025-26 season. He remains Winnipeg's No. 1 prospect, and given that he recovered from rib and lung injuries to captain Team USA and win gold medals before returning to Michigan for a stretch run, he's a tough player to play against long-term.

The latest Jets draft picks to sign after their third collegiate season include quarterbacks Dylan Samberg and Tucker Pullman. Expect this situation to follow the same trajectory; McGroarty is working on his development and his ultimate goal is to make the roster with the Jets.

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(Photo: Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)