During the draft in Las Vegas, the Montreal Canadiens came close to acquiring Rutger McGroarty according to Elliotte Friedman,
The scenario was clear: the 21st overall pick and a young defenseman (Justin Barron or Jordan Harris) were offered to the Winnipeg Jets, provided that Cole Eiserman or Michael Hage were no longer available.
However, the transaction fell through when Eiserman was available at 20th, ending the operation, since it was now clear that the CH could select one of the two players that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton wanted. (ultimately, the Islanders selected Eiserman and CH Hage).
The same fate struck the Minnesota side. The Jets were about to trade McGroarty in exchange for the 13th overall pick. But the Wild preferred to trade with the Flyers to obtain Zeev Buium at 12th place.
Montreal’s interest in McGroarty is not surprising, especially given his friendship with Michael Hage. The two are good friends.
Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has already indicated that McGroarty will not report to the Jets’ development camp, opening another window of opportunity for the Canadiens. Montreal is reportedly still in the running to land the forward.
Justin Barron and Jordan Harris remain key pieces in negotiations as Winnipeg looks to add a young defenseman to its roster.
However, an offer that includes the 2025 pick and one of those defensemen might not be enough. The pick in question belongs to either the Flames or the Panthers, an uncertainty that complicates things because the Flames’ pick (who must come outside the top 10 worst teams) or the Panthers’ pick really don’t have the same value.
If the Flames’ pick is in the top 10 in the upcoming draft, they will have the option to trade the Florida Panthers’ pick, acquired in the trade that sent Matthew Tkachuk to Florida for Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar.
This uncertainty complicates negotiations. This is why it was easier to negotiate with the 21st overall pick in 2024. But the CH liked Hage too much to let him pass.
The talent of Rutger McGroarty fits exactly into the philosophy of the Canadian, who seeks talent and youth.
McGroarty’s vision for his long-term future with Winnipeg has changed since his NCAA season ended.
The Jets had attempted to sign McGroarty to a professional contract in April, but they were not prepared to guarantee him NHL ice time.
Meanwhile, his University of Michigan teammates, like Frank Nazar and Gavin Brindley, signed with Chicago and Columbus and already played games in the NHL, as did Adam Fantilli and Luke Hughes the previous season.
This difference in visions between the Jets and McGroarty on his development has created tensions, if not an immense gap.
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said in May that he respected McGroarty’s decision to return to Michigan to continue his development, even though he wanted to see him turn professional. This situation has evolved to the point where McGroarty no longer sees his future with the Jets.
This is encouraging news for the Montreal Canadiens. McGroarty is open to playing in Canada and wants to leave the Jets simply because he doesn’t see a place for him in their lineup. We’re not talking about an American who wants nothing to do with playing outside his country.
Canadiens GM Kent Hughes could take advantage of this opportunity to get McGroarty and sign him immediately.
The Jets have declined all requests for an interview with the youngster regarding the situation, further fueling trade rumors.
One thing is for sure: McGroarty is now convinced that his path to the NHL is through another organization ready to make room for him right away.
The Montreal Canadiens, with their numerous draft picks and their rich bank of prospects, were in a good position to seize this opportunity in Vegas.
But it is not finished. The Jets prefer to develop their prospects slowly in the American league, while the Canadiens are ready to offer McGroarty an immediate place on the team. You just need to find the right offer to attract them.
Winnipeg’s expectations for a trade are high. They are looking to land a top-tier young defenseman and a second-line center.
Jordan Harris or Justin Barron and the 21st overall pick seemed to be enough. But now, we will have to improve the offer since the draft is over. Arber Xhekaj could be a key piece in this deal, filling the Jets’ pressing needs. But trading Xhekaj is a risk…a huge risk…Both on a marketing and sporting level.
A trade seems imminent. The Montreal Canadiens are still in the running. Fingers crossed…
