In a blockbuster trade today, the Winnipeg Jets acquired prospect Brayden Yager from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for prospect Rutger McGroarty. Analysts and insiders weighed in on the trade, providing insight into the strengths and weaknesses of both players.
Corey Pronman, a respected hockey analyst, had this to say about Yager: “Yager scored 95 points this past season in the WHL. Despite his production, he wasn’t truly a standout player in junior like his draft slot would suggest. He’s clearly a talented forward with NHL speed, a good shot and a high skill level. For a 5-foot-11 forward, he isn’t dynamic, though. I don’t see him as a true driver of offense at higher levels. Rather, he’s a hardworking center who can create some offense and be a player coaches rely on. He projects as a middle-six forward or a potential third-line center.”
On the other side, McGroarty was heralded as one of the top forwards in college hockey this season. He captained Team USA to a gold medal at the world juniors before requesting a trade to Winnipeg. Pronman commented on McGroarty’s skills as well, stating, “McGroarty has good offensive skills and hockey sense, but his game, like Yager’s, isn’t the flashiest. He accomplishes a lot through his great compete level. He’s a tenacious competitor on pucks and around the net. His footspeed is mediocre at best with a choppy skating stride but he still gets to a lot of pucks due to his effort. I don’t think he’s going to be as major a scorer in the NHL as he’s been at lower levels, but he’ll still provide some offense and be a player coaches love to plug into their middle six.”
Commenting on the trade, Sean Gentille remarked, “When McGroarty’s preferred next step became clear — he didn’t attend the Jets’ prospect camp and, instead, announced he’d play a third season for Michigan — Pittsburgh seemed like a potential dance partner for the Jets, with one major roadblock.”
Despite the differing opinions on the trade, it seems both teams may have come out ahead. Pittsburgh acquires a player in McGroarty who is more prepared for the NHL game and could make an immediate impact, while Winnipeg gains a player in Yager with the potential for a higher ceiling and the ability to play center, a valuable position in the league.
Only time will tell which team truly came out on top in this trade, but for now, both the Jets and the Penguins have added promising prospects to their organizations in hopes of bolstering their rosters for the future.
