Bruins Look to Land Unhappy Player From the Jets

The NHL Draft starts on Friday, June 28, and the free-agent frenzy begins on Monday, July 1.

We’ve already seen a few major deals, like Ryan McDonagh’s return to the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New Jersey Devils acquiring goaltender Jacob Markstrom. The Linus Ullmark sweepstakes is gaining traction, with the Ottawa Senators a clear favorite. Speaking of the Boston Bruins, there is one guy that would be worth a significant investment.

McGroarty Unhappy in Winnipeg

This season, the Philadelphia Flyers and their 2022 draft pick Cutter Gauthier had a disagreement, prompting the Flyers to trade Gauthier to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a 2025 second-round pick. According to Elliotte Friedman’s 32 Thoughts Podcast, Winnipeg Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty and the team are in a similar scenario.

According to the article, a deal involving McGroarty appears inevitable. He has previously expressed his dissatisfaction with the organization, returning to the University of Michigan for his junior season. If he becomes available, General Manager Don Sweeney should seize the opportunity to acquire him.

Injecting Youth Into The Organization

The Bruins’ core is well-established, led by veterans like captain Brad Marchand and standout forward David Pastrnak, while the back end is anchored by Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, and Hampus Lindholm. The good news is that four of the five players are homegrown, having evolved within the club to become key members of the roster. Lindholm was acquired via trade with the Anaheim Ducks on March 19, 2022, in return for Urho Vaakanainen, John Moore, a 2022 first-round pick, and second-round picks in 2023 and 2024. Still, the club requires an injection of youth and a restocking of its cabinet.

Some of the Bruins’ young players, such as Mason Lohrei and Matthew Poitras, have made significant progress, but they still need to improve. They need the next wave to pass through the organization. This is when McGroarty comes into play. Not only is he a good fit for the Bruins, but he also brings a youthful energy.

There’s a reason McGroarty was ranked 14th overall in 2022. He is a dynamic attacker who can play center or left wing. He is extremely gifted offensively, with a devastating shot and excellent playmaking skills. McGroarty is an excellent puck handler with an extremely high hockey IQ.

His productivity has increased since the calendar year 2021-22. McGroarty was a point-per-game player in the USHL, scoring 33 points in 25 games. In the same year, he joined the United States National U18 Team and dominated. In 54 games, he recorded 35 goals and 69 points. He took this level of performance to the NCAA at the University of Michigan.

McGroarty had a successful college career and has played for some of Michigan’s most illustrious teams. In his first year at Michigan (2022-23), he had 18 goals and 39 points. In his sophomore season, he played less games but produced more, tallying a career-high 18 goals and 36 assists.

In addition, from 2021 to 2024, he averaged a point per game at the World Junior Championship. He is a promising young talent that presents a challenge for the Bruins to acquire.

The Hurdle to Acquiring McGroarty

The deal the Ducks gave up to land Gauthier should indicate what the Bruins would have to pay: a selection and a young player who can be inserted into the lineup right away. Draft picks could be difficult to come by for the Bruins, who have little assets, particularly in the 2024 NHL Draft, where they do not pick until the fourth round. If they want to get McGroarty, they’ll have to pivot.

The Bruins have a 2025 first-round pick but no second-round pick. Sweeney might use their 2025 first-round pick or wait until 2026 and trade their second-round pick for McGroarty. Furthermore, depending on the return for coveted goalkeeper Ullmark, they may use the assets in that return to acquire him. It won’t be easy, but there is a need and a fit for him in the lineup and within the organization.

McGroarty Fills A Need

Acquiring a candidate like McGroarty meets a need. He would help reload the prospect pool and provide the Bruins with a quality young player. He can also be inserted into the lineup and serve as a foundation for the next generation of Boston Bruins hockey.

With Jake DeBrusk’s future with the team questionable at this moment, the Bruins require another productive winger to complement Pastrnak. McGroarty has been productive and improved his game over his career. He would be the ideal addition to the roster. He’s definitely worth looking into if you’re Sweeney.