KRAKEN ARE LOOKING FOR JETS PROSPECT IN A POTENTIAL TRADE

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported on the 32 Thoughts Podcast that Winnipeg Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty is seeking a trade, opening the possibility of the Seattle Kraken joining the sweepstakes.

McGroarty surprised many when he announced his return to the University of Michigan for his junior season after an impressive sophomore year. He notched 16 goals and 52 points in just 36 games, ranking ninth in the nation and playing a pivotal role in leading his team to the Frozen Four.

Selected 14th overall by the Jets in the 2022 NHL Draft, McGroarty stands at 6'1" and weighs 205 lbs. He was a standout player on the USNTDP alongside notable talents such as Cutter Gauthier, Logan Cooley, Jimmy Snuggerud, Frank Nazar, and Lane Hutson.

Despite being only 20 years old, McGroarty's game is NHL-ready, complemented by leadership qualities and maturity beyond his years. He captained Team USA to gold at the World Juniors this past season and led the team to silver at the U-18s in 2022.

Speculation arose that McGroarty's reluctance to play for the Jets stemmed from location preferences, but multiple reports have debunked this. Instead, the New England-born forward has requested a trade due to concerns about the Jets' development strategies. Observing the deployment of previous first-round picks like Cole Perfetti and Ville Heinola, McGroarty grew uneasy and began considering a move.

According to Murat Ates of The Athletic, the Jets aimed to sign McGroarty after his second college season. However, without a guaranteed roster spot, he chose to return to the Wolverines.

While no teams have emerged as front runners or been directly linked to McGroarty, the Kraken's aggressive offseason could signal their interest. McGroarty's size and skill set are highly sought after, characterized by his relentless drive in puck battles and net-front presence. His intangibles hint at a promising future for any franchise.

Given the likely high interest from various teams, a trade before the NHL draft seems probable. If McGroarty lands with the right team, he might contemplate signing an entry-level contract.

McGroarty would be a valuable addition to the Kraken's burgeoning offensive core, fitting seamlessly with their star-studded lineup.