Big League Dreams Await – Winnipeg Free Press

Rather than immediately sign a contract to join the Winnipeg Jets, Rutger McGroarty opted to return to college for one more season.

That shouldn't be a concern for Jets fans, and it doesn't mean there's any issue between the organization and its top prospect, selected 14th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. Quite the opposite.

Monday's decision was made after careful consideration and consultation by both sides.

The cold, hard truth is that there's very little room in the hotel right now when it comes to the Jets' forward group. Look at the current lineup with Cole Perfetti, David Gustafsson and Rasmus Kupari all likely to start the playoffs next week as healthy scratches.

Then there's Axel Jonsson-Fjallby, Dominik Toninato and newcomers Brad Lambert and Nikita Chibrikov, also currently impressing with the American Hockey League's Manitoba Moose, waiting in the wings.

In reality, the Jets couldn't guarantee McGroarty a full-time NHL spot next season. Sean Monahan and Tyler Toffoli are only unrestricted free agents with trade deadline additions, so no mass moves are expected this summer.

So the 20-year-old returns to the University of Michigan for his third season and could be a team captain next fall for a program expected to be as strong as ever.

“We always told Rutger when preparation intersects with opportunity, it's time to go,” said his mother, Cindy McGroarty. Free press last week..

“Winnipeg knows when it has an opportunity, Rutger knows when it's prepared. He doesn't put himself in a bad position, and it's not like he's in a terrible position to develop. So if someone says, “No, you've got room to grow before you're ready,” that's fine too. He's ready for anything.”

The signing now means spending some time with the Moose instead of jumping into the deep Jets lineup, which is not in the midst of a rebuild, but a contender. A great development path, sure, but another year helping run a perennial power like Michigan is also helpful.

McGroarty was one of the NCAA's top scorers this season with 52 points (16 goals, 36 assists) in 36 games. He also captained the U.S. team at the World Junior Championships six weeks after suffering a concussion that left him with a punctured lung and a broken rib.

His Wolverines advanced to the Frozen Four for the second year in a row, but lost 4-0 in the semifinals — again. Maybe third time's the charm?

Speculation about McGroarty has increased in recent days as several of his teammates have signed professional contracts. His teammate and good friend Frank Nazar signed an entry-level deal with the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday and then scored a goal in his NHL debut on Sunday. His other teammate, Gavin Brindley, signed an ELC deal with the Columbus Blue Jets on Monday.

It's worth noting that Chicago and Columbus are in a completely different place than Winnipeg in terms of their ability to throw a young player into the lineup.

The Jets still hold McGroarty's rights through the summer of 2026. However, a deal next spring could open up jobs with Nicolai Ers, Alex Iafallo, Mason Appleton, Vlad Namestnikov, Fjallby and Toninato. Summer 2025.

McGroarty, who spoke last week about his relationship with the Jets, is likely to attend Winnipeg's development camp in early July, as he did last summer. She also continues to work on figure skating, which she admits requires the most work with former Canadian Olympian Barb Underhill, who is her personal coach.

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Mike McIntyre
Sports reporter

Mike McIntyre grew up wanting to be a professional wrestler. But when this dream did not come true, he tried his best to become a professional writer.

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