Montreal reportedly offered former first rounder in package for Rutger McGroarty
The Winnipeg Jets and Montreal Canadiens appear to have had discussions regarding Rutger McGroarty, with the Habs reportedly offering a former first rounder in return.
Winnipeg is in a tough spot when it comes to their top prospect Rutger McGroarty, who they selected with the 14th overall pick back in 2022. The Jets reportedly wanted to sign McGroarty when his college season came to an end in the spring, but due to a disagreement on his development path, that never came to fruition.
McGroarty wants to be in the NHL and guaranteed playing time right away, but the Jets would rather him begin his professional career in the American Hockey League with the Manitoba Moose. Because of this, McGroarty is likely to be traded by the Jets at some point this summer and could net them an important asset or two for their roster.
One team that has been linked to Rutger McGroarty in the last little while is the Montreal Canadiens and according to Andrea Strompova of Hokejka.sk, an offer was made to the Winnipeg Jets that involved 2022 first round pick Filip Mesar.
Strompova is reporting that information overseas suggest that Filip Mesar, a 2025 first round pick and a young defenceman, potentially either Justin Barron or Jordan Harris, were offered to the Winnipeg Jets for Rutger McGroarty, but wasn't accepted by General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.
"According to information circulating overseas, Filip Me�ár was offered as part of a trade aimed at acquiring Rutger McGroarty from the Winnipeg Jets. However, in addition to the Slovak youngster, Montreal would also have to add a draft pick from the Panthers or Flames in 2025 and a young defenseman, perhaps Justin Barron or Jordan Harris . However, Winnipeg seems to be rejecting Kent Hughes' various offers for now."
It's unclear if the Montreal Canadiens will circle back with another offer at some point over the summer or if another team enters the mix, but the Winnipeg Jets are in a bit of a pickle with Rutger McGroarty and the sooner they can move him, the better off they'll be. The Jets are trying to keep their competitive window open and trading McGroarty for a piece that can help them right away next summer, potentially a top-four defenceman.
Source: Hokejka.sk
Will Filip Me�ár leave Montreal? The Canadiens offer a Slovak forward
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Do you think the Canadiens should trade for Rutger McGroarty? | ||
| Yes | 52 | 43.7 % |
| No | 67 | 56.3 % |
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