Report: Bruins among teams eyeing Jets' McGroarty
The Rutger McGroarty suitors are starting to materialize for the Winnipeg Jets.
The Boston Bruins have had continuous discussions with the Jets about the top prospect, while the Buffalo Sabres, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New York Islanders have also inquired, reports the Winnipeg Free Press' Mike McIntyre.
On Saturday, it was reported the Jets are likely to trade McGroarty, but that he doesn't have any animosity toward the city of Winnipeg.
The Jets were apparently keen on signing the Nebraska-born University of Michigan star at the end of the college season in April, but they weren't willing to guarantee him a path to NHL playing time. McGroarty then decided to return to the Wolverines for his junior year in 2024-25.
Winnipeg bolstered its forward group in preparation for a playoff run in March, adding Tyler Toffoli and Sean Monahan in separate trades. The Jets reached the postseason, but the Colorado Avalanche bounced them out of the first round in five games. Both Toffoli and Monahan are pending unrestricted free agents.
McGroarty collected 16 goals and 36 assists over 36 games for Michigan this season. He notched 18 tallies and 21 across 39 contests in 2022-23. McGroarty also led the United States to the gold medal as captain at this year's World Junior Championship, posting five goals and four assists in seven games.
The Jets drafted him 14th overall in 2022.