Rumors are flying in Montreal as the Montreal Canadiens actively explore the trade market with the Winnipeg Jets.
The possible acquisition of Rutger McGroarty by the Canadiens continues to generate buzz. But does the Canadiens really have what it takes to make such a trade with the Jets?
Some proposals suggest a trade that includes a first-round pick from Calgary or Florida in 2025, along with Justin Barron, or even Logan Mailloux.
According to Eric Engels on “The Sick Podcast with Marinaro,” there is still potential for a deal between the two teams:
“I still think there’s a possibility that we can find a solution as the summer goes on and he remains a member of the Jets. He’s a name I would keep an eye on and I think he could be a good fit for both teams.”
Who is Rutger McGroarty? He is a first-round pick of the Jets in 2022. He played at the University of Michigan the last two years, and his 52 points in 36 games are a testament to his exceptional talent.
Normally, a 14th overall pick who performs like this doesn’t return to college for a third year.
But in his case, he announced that he would return to play for Michigan next season. According to Elliotte Friedman, discussions between the Jets and the young player’s clan regarding his entry-level contract are not ongoing, which has fueled rumors of a possible trade this summer.
It is natural to wonder why there are no discussions. Is it possible that the young American, who caused a sensation at the last Championship because of his arrogance, does not want to play in Canada?
The answer is no. McGroarty simply wants to play in the NHL and the Jets want to send him to the American league if he signs.
There is a real problem with Winnipeg, but not with the rest of Canada. The Canadiens absolutely have to take a chance.
After all, a player of his caliber could fit perfectly into the CH’s second line alongside Kirby Dach.
McGroarty is a good leader and it’s really strange to see him return to Michigan for the 2024-2025 season. If he is traded to the Canadiens, Kent Hughes could sign him and promise him a roster spot…in the NHL and not the American League…
To get him out of Winnipeg, it might take a top-10 pick in 2015. The pick the Canadiens have will either be late in the first round (Panthers) or outside the top-10 but very close (Flames).
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.
So Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes are hoping the Flames are bad…but not too bad…That complicates negotiations if that pick is in play, because the level of uncertainty is high.
Would the Canadiens be willing to trade a big-time defenseman like Mike Matheson or Kaiden Guhle for a prospect like McGroarty?
As for Kaiden Guhle, the answer is no. The defenseman is in Montreal to stay and is expected to sign a contract extension this summer.
Mike Matheson’s name is in trade rumors, but more on the Carolina side, which lost Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei on the free agent market and is desperate to add a left-handed defenseman to its roster.
That’s why Martin Necas’ name continues to be mentioned in Montreal. As long as the Hurricanes need a left-handed defenseman, Matheson’s name will continue to be mentioned in Carolina.
That’s when the name Logan Mailloux began to circulate in Winnipeg. His value was much higher than that of Justin Barron.
A 1st round pick and Mailloux seems like a high price. But to give, you have to receive…
