This is actually huge news for us.
McGroarty is NHL ready IMO. Jets likely offered him his ELC when the college season ended and he said no and ghosted them. Pretty apparent he intends to finish college and pick his destination.
McGroarty has spent his entire life in Michigan. And his father coaches honeybaked and manages the Muskegon lumberjacks.
Couple this with our team being on the upswing, and also having roster space available... boys we may be landing Rutger McGroarty for cheap.
Mcgroarty also doesnt have an agent. Likely his father is acting on his behalf. A guy that the wings more than likely have a relationship with.
Teams are going to be hesitant to trade for him not knowing what his intentions are. And if they do trade for his rights they likely wont fork over much.
Hoping Yzerman already knows the situation with this kid and his family. If he just wants to be a red wing, then trade the jets a late round pick or a B prospect for his rights, get him on his ELC this summer, and get him on the team next year. If he actually wants to earn a degree... no worries, we wait, and get him for free in 2 years where he'll be the black ace in a cup run.
Exciting stuff. I wonder if SY has had this rabbit in his hat for awhile now...
Inb4 wHy dO wE siGn PLaYerS jUSt CaUSe tHEyRe fRoM miCHigAn