Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly linked to Rutger McGroarty

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Matt Garland
July 6, 2024 (8:21)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets could work together to move their two frustrated young players out of town.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets find themselves in a similar situation with one of their young players. Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson has informed general manager Brad Treliving that he has no interest in re-signing with the franchise and would like to be moved this summer. The Jets have prospect Rutger McGroarty who has been rumored to want out of Winnipeg, refusing to sign his entry-level deal with the club and is not attending Jets development camp.

Could the two Canadian teams link up to move their disgruntled young forwards?

Rumors are heating up that Toronto would send Nick Robertson and second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, originally belonging to the Florida Panthers in exchange for McGroarty.

Injuries have derailed the 22 year old Robertson's NHL development, playing just 87 games spread across parts of 4 seasons with the Maple Leafs. Robertson is coming off his most production NHL campaign, scoring 14 goals and 27 points in 56 games, while averaging just 11:23 in ice time.

Drafted 14th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, McGroarty has the ability to play both wings and contribute to Toronto's secondary scoring. He plays a much more physical style compared to Robertson, standing 6'1 weighing over 200 lbs. During his sophomore season with the University of Michigan, he scored 16 goals and 52 points in 36 games.

Trade rumors during the summer need to be taken with a grain of salt, some come across that really don't make any sense but this one is different. Robertson would be thrilled to come into a situation with more opportunity. McGroarty would probably enjoy the bright lights of playing in the hockey mecca of the world in Toronto instead of the long winters in Winnipeg.