Winnipeg acquires Brayden Yager for Rutger McGroarty
The Rutger McGroarty sweepstakes ended Thursday—concluding a lengthy standstill between the Winnipeg Jets and their former first round prospect.
The Jets and Penguins agreed to a deal Thursday that sent 2022 14th overall pick Rutger McGroarty to Pittsburgh in exchange for 2023 14th overall pick Brayden Yager.
The situation began April 15 when it was reported that McGroarty would not be signing with the Jets, instead returning to the University of Michigan for his junior season.
On June 22, McGroarty voiced his reasoning for the decision—requesting out of Winnipeg in the process.
The Jets felt that McGroarty would benefit from some time developing with their AHL affiliate Manitoba Moose before joining the team. This vision did not align with McGroarty’s, who believes he is NHL-ready.
After four months of commotion, Thursday’s trade with Pittsburgh allows Jets fans a sigh of relief—and, perhaps, a happy ending to a frustrating affair.
Brayden Yager has been an alternate captain with the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors for the last two seasons—tallying 216 points in 154 games. He helped lead the Warriors to their first ever Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2024, sweeping Portland 4-0 in the final round.
The Saskatoon product was named to the 2023-24 Canadian Men’s U20 team, scoring five points in five tournament games.
Yager also wore the “A” for Team Canada’s U18 squad at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, finishing second in tournament scoring with five goals and nine points in five games.
“You see the fan base in Winnipeg, it’s pretty special and especially in the playoffs - the whiteout and everything - it’s crazy,” Yager said Thursday of his new home. “So, I’m super excited.”
Jets fans will not have to wait long to see Yager in a Jets uniform, as Jets prospects will compete against the Flames, Oilers, and Canucks at the Vancouver Canucks Young Stars Classic in Penticton, British Columbia—beginning September 15.
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