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Flyers Trade with Jets for Rutger McGroarty Virtually Impossible

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(Photo: AP)

On Saturday, it was revealed that top Winnipeg Jets prospect and University of Michigan ace Rutger McGroarty is trying to force his way into the NHL, which explains his decision to go back to Michigan from April. McGroarty, who would not be promised an NHL roster spot by the Jets, is close friends with former Philadelphia Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier.



Gauthier, as you might recall, was reported to have done the same with the Flyers, and eventually ceased communication with the organization entirely before being traded to Anaheim for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a draft pick on Jan. 8.

Gauthier has since turned pro, signing his entry-level contract on April 14 and making his NHL debut with the Ducks on April 18.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared on the latest episode of his “32 Thoughts” podcast that McGroarty’s name “has come up in trade discussions” as of late as the young prospect attempts to strong-arm his way onto the Jets’ NHL roster–or another NHL roster, for that matter.

In addition, a source told the Winnipeg Free Press that McGroarty is “an NHLer. They will regret it,”. Suddenly, the Flyers aren’t the only organization facing a bit of vitriol for failing to afford their top young prospect a roster spot so early on.

McGroarty, 20, was selected in the same draft class as Gauthier, going to Winnipeg 14th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. The Michigan star did have 52 points in only 36 NCAA games this year, so the argument that McGroarty is NHL-ready has plenty of credence.

Under normal circumstances, McGroarty would be the perfect Flyers trade target, and one the Flyers would likely have to pony up a fair amount to acquire. However, because Winnipeg’s situation with the 20-year-old is now very much out there in the public sphere–likely to force action from the Jets–the return might not be anywhere near as good as what the Flyers got in the Gauthier trade in January.

Given the volatility of the situation and McGroarty’s relationship with Gauthier, a Flyers trade with the Jets is a near impossibility at this stage. Sure, it’s disappointing that something like this will prevent the Flyers from exploring an avenue to potentially improve the team in the short and long-term, but that’s the reality of business in the NHL sometimes.

You can safely scratch McGroarty off your offseason wish list.

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Adam

It’s almost ridiculous if you think about it. A couple of 20yo telling NHL coaches and GMs they ready and will play one way or the other. No humble, work ethic at all. This generation of stars suuuuucks…

BB25

While I agree…..the Flyers organization has poorly handled several player situations over the years. Number one being that entire Eric Lindros situation…..Clarke screwed that up completely.

That stench has followed the Flyers for over a decade now.

Last edited 5 months ago by BB25
Clarke

Ha ha, yeah sure, Carl!

Nick

Pompous rich kids.

Bill M

Breaking News Flyers angling for Cayden Lidstrom , trading up in first round. Going to do everything they can to get him. Live move if my sources are correct

Not Offsides

Lindstrom. Also watch for Helenius, Yakemchuk, Silayev.

Bige88

We need a power wing . I’m not sure if lidstrom plays center or wing in nhl but that would be great !

GMan

We have a power wing. His first name is Matvei, ever heard of him.
The team needs a 1C and a 1D. In order to possibly get Lindstrom, or even Demidov, they would need to trade with Ottawa for #7 and then possibly Columbus for #4.

Bill Marchetti

C

Bob

Why write an article on players the Flyers can pretty much forget about trading for? If that’s considered news worthy, while you at it, why not follow-up this topic by writing the following articles:

  • Flyers Trade with Rangers for Igor Shesterkin Virtually Impossible
  • Flyers Trade with Oilers for Conor McDavid Virtually Impossible
  • Flyers Trade with Leafs for Austin Matthews Virtually Impossible
  • Flyers Trade with Blackhawks for Conor Bedard Virtually Impossible
Dawson Snad

Full disclosure, I read a lot of your articles and find them well written with interesting content – which cannot be said of articles on other Flyers news sites. I just found this one to be quite different.

Not Offsides

He wasn’t on my wish list. There’s an attitude issue with many USNTDP players. After the Gauthier situation and now this, I would be very cautious about selecting anyone from there, including Eiserman. Why the Flyers seem to have a keen interest in players from this program baffles me, especially since they wasted a first-round pick in 2018 (19th overall) on someone named Jay O’Brien from USNTDP.

GMan

There’s no comparison between O’Brien and Eiserman. If the proposed trade with Ottawa falls through and Eiserman is still available at #12, I would take him over Helenius or Yakemchuk. He is a pure goal scorers who can be on the top line in 25-26 along with Michkov.

Not Offsides

Maybe. He can score and they need that. I’m saying be cautious about anyone from that program and really investigate character.

Hellboy!

Not sure the dots connect on this. If the flyers wanted him, I’m sure the kids agent would advise the flyers of his feelings. Who is stay these two players are close anyway?

Sav1970

What are they teaching these kids in the US development program that makes them act this way?

Bill Marchetti

Well they see inmates run the asylum in other sports where greed and ego run supreme so they want to bring it NHL . Sports suck stopped watching NFL and NBA because of greedy crybabies run everything , keep it out of hockey guys