Winnipeg Jets 2022 first-round pick Rutger McGroarty returns to Michigan for junior year

Rutger McGroarty stays in school.

The Winnipeg Jets prospect will return to Michigan for his junior season next fall, the program announced Monday.

McGroarty, a 20-year-old native of Lincoln, was the 14th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft out of the United States National Team Development Program.

McGroarty, a right-back, played 36 games for Wolves last season, scoring 16 goals and providing 36 assists. His performance this season was recognized by the All Big Ten first team.

Internationally, McGroarty represented the United States multiple times and was a gold medalist at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Sweden, scoring five goals and adding four assists in seven games.