The place does Rutger McGroarty match within the Penguins' lineup?

Going into the 2024-25 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ roster had already regarded to have some positional battles brewing in coaching camp.

And as of some days in the past, these battles could have simply gotten much more attention-grabbing.

On August 22, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Rutger McGroarty in a prospect swap with the Winnipeg Jets for Brayden Yager.

McGroarty, one of many league’s high prospects, requested a commerce from the Jets earlier this summer season as a result of he was not comfortable together with his profession trajectory with the group. He sought a extra surefire shot to play on the NHL stage this season in a distinct metropolis.

Presumably, the Penguins appear prepared to offer McGroarty that chance. So the place will he match within the Penguins’ lineup, presuming that he makes the roster out of camp?

It’s no secret that McGroarty has top-six expertise. He has the shot, the intangibles, the two-way consciousness, and the playmaking potential to change into an efficient top-six winger.

Nonetheless, the one knock on McGroarty in most scouting stories is his skating. As a result of that is positively one thing to look out for, he might have a while to enhance that side of his sport and – fairly actually – discover his stride and stand up to hurry on the NHL stage.

Additionally, given head coach Mike Sullivan’s historical past with younger gamers – and, even, with new gamers within the group after a commerce or a signing – he tends to ease them into their new position throughout the Penguins’ system.

With these elements mixed, it would not come as a shock to see McGroarty begin the season on the third line, regardless of his top-six toolset and upside. It might not be the worst factor for each the younger ahead and the staff, as Drew O’Connor has confirmed himself serviceable alongside Sidney Crosby and McGroarty would begin his NHL profession in a lower-pressure setting.

That being stated: The Penguins shouldn’t maintain out very lengthy to see how McGroarty suits with Crosby. Not solely do the Penguins want all the scoring assist they’ll get, however McGroarty profiles because the sort of winger that has traditionally had success with Crosby.

Like Guentzel, there’s finesse and excessive hockey IQ in his sport. Like Chris Kunitz, he performs a strong two-way sport with some hardline meanness and physicality. Like Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, he excels on the forecheck and is cerebral in his potential to create area.

And just like the captain himself, he possesses the intangibles – equivalent to management and work ethic – which are wanted for a very good prospect to really blossom into one thing extra on the NHL stage.

So all in all, McGroarty must play within the top-six in some unspecified time in the future this season, and he ought to see common time on both the primary or second energy play as nicely. However when the puck drops on October 9, anticipate the five-on-five ahead traces to look extra like this (because the roster stands at this juncture):

Drew O’Connor – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust

Michael Bunting – Evgeni Malkin – Rickard Rakell

Rutger McGroarty – Kevin Hayes – Cody Glass

Blake Lizotte – Lars Eller – Noel Acciari

Additional Forwards: Valtteri Puustinen, Anthony Beauvillier

Related: BREAKING: Penguins acquire top prospect Rutger McGroarty from Jets

Related: 5 Things to Know About Penguins Prospect Rutger McGroarty

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