When we learned that Rutger McGroarty was up for trade, we immediately linked the Canadian to the file.
For what?
Because Kent Hughes has accustomed us to acquiring youngsters like this in recent years: guys who once had high ceilings, but who were not in environments that were favorable to them. We know that the Canadiens were linked to the file yesterday during the day, but today, via his podcast 32 thoughts, Elliotte Friedman confirmed to us that indeed, the Jets and the Canadian have had discussions regarding the attacker.
The fact that the matter has not been resolved does not mean that the possibility of seeing him in Montreal no longer exists, but obviously, both camps were unable to conclude the draft.
For the Minnesota Wild, another active team in the file, interest seems to have died down, however. Still according to Friedman, when Bill Guerin saw Zeev Buium fall into his hands at pick number 12 (pick acquired from the Flyers), the conversations stopped there.
I guess the Jets wanted the number 12 pick for McGroarty’s services… Remember that the captain of the United States at the most recent World Junior Championship was selected 14th overall in the 2022 draft by Winnipeg. It probably would have been a one-for-one transaction, then.
But for the Canadiens, he had the 21st overall pick, which may have been at the heart of the negotiations with Kevin Cheveldayoff. Did the negotiations fade away when Michael Hage was available to Montreal?
Maybe. After all, he had been targeted by the club for some time now.
Brief. Despite everything, the McGroarty file will be resolved eventually, but not now. Note that the Martin Necas file is also one to watch and that the attacker almost ended up in Ohio… against the fourth choice overall.
A lot of
– He was a man in demand.
– The Leafs really want to sign Chris Tanev.
– Utah could have quite the defense.
– CF victory.
– File to follow.
– They have a good relationship.
– The question is valid.
– Good to know.
– Good reading.
