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From Manitoba to Arizona to Utah, this week's ultimate hockey talk

Posted on by Neons

It's time for another round of NHL rumors as we begin another week. There are a lot of changes now, and we're not just talking about the team roster. The entire franchise is ready to receive shares and move their operations. Arizona's hockey experience may be on hold for now. However, what is the future of the new club? Today's NHL rumors focus on the Arizona Coyotes and Winnipeg Jets.

All NHL rumors come from original sources and are subject to change.

NHL Rumors

Arizona Coyotes

Rumor: On Friday's “32 Thoughts” podcast, Sportsnet's Elliott Friedman and Jeff Marek said Utah's new franchise will be aggressive in the free agent and trade markets.

Analysis: Barring a last-minute change, the Coyotes headed to Salt Lake City. Ryan Smith is going to take over the franchise and turn it around. The Coyotes brand will remain for the time being, while owner Alex Meruelo looks to get hockey going once again in Arizona.

However, the future is imminent for a new team in the state of Bees. Smith and company are expected to go after players on the free agent and trade market. They want to immediately put a competitive product on ice for a new market. The franchise may no longer be a dumping ground for teams to move their big salaries. Smith wants to give Utah a strong product that can compete for the Stanley Cup playoffs. General manager Bill Armstrong will likely be busy this coming season.

As for Arizona, it's always disappointing when a team leaves any market. Fans in the market are hoping Meruelo and his ownership group can find a place to play in the Greater Phoenix market. Hockey in the desert has had many opportunities, but it may take some time to try again. Friedman said one of the directions is that the franchise could be declared inactive. Instead, Utah is ready to be a player this coming summer.

Winnipeg Airplanes

Rumor: During Hockey Night Canada's Saturday Night Headlines segment, the Jets said they could sign college standout Rutger McGroarty to an entry-level contract.

Analysis: We move from the former Winnipeg Jets to the current incarnation. McGroarty was instrumental in Team USA winning the gold medal at the recent IIHF 2024 World Junior Championship. The 20-year-old is weighing his options to return to the University of Michigan or turn pro.

McGroarty was drafted by the Jets with the 14th pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The Lincoln, Nebraska native had 16 goals and 36 assists for the Wolverines during his sophomore season. He has two main options, one of which is to go pro and join the Manitoba Moose. Conversely, McGroarty could be in the mix to become Michigan's captain. Being the captain of a major Division I collegiate program can be amazing.

He was a very solid player at the international level as he played for the American team at the World Junior level. McGroarty scored five goals and added four assists for nine points in seven games for Team USA to win the gold medal. He won the bronze medal in the 2023 tournament.

Winnipeg is looking for young players to help keep the talent flowing. The Jets and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff hope to stay atop the Central Division standings for years to come. A forward like McGroarty could bolster the lineup for a team with Stanley Cup dreams.

Main photo by Gabriel Mayberry – USA TODAY Sports

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