Top talent refuses to speak to Canadian team that drafted him; deal pending
The ongoing saga between Winnipeg Jets and their promising prospect, Rutger McGroarty, has taken a new twist, as revealed by Elliotte Friedman on the latest "32 Thoughts Podcast."
The lack of communication between McGroarty's camp and the Jets has not only raised eyebrows but also sparked potential trade talks, an increasingly common trend among NCAA hockey players.
Selected 14th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, McGroarty chose to continue his hockey career at the NCAA level for the past season. His decision to return to college next season further fuels speculation about his future with the Jets. Similar to past NCAA prospects like Adam Fox and Cutter Gauthier, who maneuvered through collegiate eligibility to seek more favorable NHL beginnings, McGroarty appears to be steering towards a similar path.
For Jets fans, this pattern is disheartening. The challenge of retaining or attracting top talent in Winnipeg, compared to more favored NHL locations, is a recurring struggle. This disadvantage isn't unique to the Jets but feels more pronounced under the current circumstances.
The disparity between Canadian and American teams in retaining players is notable, and Winnipeg feels the pinch more acutely. While teams like the Edmonton Oilers manage to draw and keep talent, the Jets find themselves in tougher negotiations and less appealing to some players.
Source: Elliotte Friedman
Rutger McGroarty has come up in trade discussions.
The Jets are now at a crossroads: continue to foster negotiations with McGroarty or concede to a trade, a decision that could set a significant precedent for future NCAA prospects and their dealings with NHL teams.
| POLL | ||
Will Winnipeg be in the NHL for the foreseeable future if they continue to struggle to retain players? | ||
| Yes, Winnipeg is here to stay | 115 | 60.8 % |
| No, it's too hard to get players up there | 63 | 33.3 % |
| See Results | 11 | 5.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
