Winnipeg Jets Likely to Trade Top Prospect Rutger McGroarty Over Development Dispute

The Winnipeg Jets are likely to trade their top prospect, Rutger McGroarty, due to a disagreement over his development path. Selected 14th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, McGroarty opted to return to the University of Michigan for his junior year rather than sign a professional contract with the Jets, who couldn't guarantee him NHL playing time. This decision has strained relations, as McGroarty believes he is ready for the NHL but would likely be relegated to the AHL. Sources indicate the Jets' development strategy and communication issues have been problematic, as seen with other prospects like Cole Perfetti and Ville Heinola. Trading McGroarty now would allow the Jets to avoid losing him for nothing and possibly acquire a needed top-four defenseman in return.