Jets' first-round pick refusing to sign: Can't-miss opportunity for the Canucks

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Cooper Godin
June 22, 2024 (3:18 PM)

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The Winnipeg Jets are looking to remain competitive in the coming years, with Mark Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck's identical seven-year extensions kicking in next season.

General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will have his hands full this summer, with trade rumours surrounding one of his forwards - Nikolaj Ehlers. However, another organization member could find his way out this summer after not signing with the Jets and after he decided to return to college for a third year.

During Saturday's edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Winnipeg Jets and prospect Rutger McGroarty's family advisor are not talking, and his name has emerged in trade discussions.

"His family advisor and the Jets are not talking, but the one thing I can tell you is that I have heard Rutger McGroarty has come up in trade discussions." Friedman said.

The Jets are probably quite frustrated that it has even gotten to this point, as they believe McGroarty is ready to take the next step in his career and play in the National Hockey League. However, while this is just pure speculation based on what's going on, McGroarty might not want to play for the Winnipeg Jets and would prefer to be traded to another team, as we saw in January with Cutter Gauthier and the Philadelphia Flyers.

McGroarty, 20, had a big sophomore year in the NCAA with the University of Michigan. In 36 games, the Lincoln, Nebraska native had 52 points (16 goals, 36 assists), six penalty minutes and was a plus-17.

It'll be interesting to watch this situation in the coming weeks, with Winnipeg looking to remain competitive, they could opt to trade McGroarty, who could fetch them a first line forward or top pairing defenceman. One name, the Jets have been linked to is Martin Necas of the Carolina Hurricanes. We'll have to wait and see if anything develops on this front.