Top prospect going to the minor leagues
The Penguins have made their first transaction with their AHL club this season. And it will be forward Rutger McGroarty going down.
The Penguins have assigned forward Rutger McGroarty to the @WBSPenguins (AHL). pic.twitter.com/rP1YjqNLvS
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 16, 2024
McGroarty appeared in the first three NHL games of the season, that opportunity aided by an opening provided when Bryan Rust suffered a minor injury at the end of training camp. Rust is now back healthy and in the lineup, which means the Penguins had 14 NHL forwards on their roster. That pushed McGroarty into healthy scratch territory last game, and there’s no point in keeping the team’s prime prospect watching games from the press box going forward. Given that others like Jesse Puljujarvi and Cody Glass are playing well, there’s no meaningful spot for McGroarty to capture in the NHL lineup at this time.
Sending McGroarty back today allows him to get to Wilkes-Barre and acclimated a little before the AHL Penguins play on Friday night.
McGroarty averaged 11:37 of playing time in his first taste of NHL action lining up on both the left and right wing, scoring no points but being credited with four hits and two shots on goal.
Health situations can always change quickly, and there’s no telling how long or short McGroarty’s stint in the northeastern end of the commonwealth could be. How he plays and performs in the AHL will also have a big say in the matter. At 20-years old and being a pro rookie, he’s got a bright future ahead of him and plenty of excitement at all levels of Pittsburgh’s organization but at this time for his development playing in the AHL is move that could pay off.