Rutger McGroarty
21-Year-Old
Out
Injury Upper Body
Est. Return 10/7/2025
2024 Stats
G
1
A
2
PP Pts
0
+/-
0
PIM
0
2025 Projections
2025 Fantasy Outlook
McGroarty spent most of last season in the AHL, scoring 14 goals and 25 assists in 60 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, but then got a brief taste of the NHL late. In his eight NHL appearances, he posted a goal and two assists while averaging 14:37 of ice time. Entering the 2025-26 campaign, the 21-year-old is looking to lock down not just a spot in the NHL, but in the top-six forward group on the wing of Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. Assuming all goes well in the preseason, there's no reason why the Penguins shouldn't play him and see if the game-breaking talent he displayed at the University of Michigan translates to the NHL. He's a high-risk, high-reward fantasy option that, due to his potential linemates and ice time, could find his way into Calder Trophy discussions. Read Past Outlooks
#
Prospect
Signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Penguins in August of 2024.
Sidelined indefinitely
McGroarty will be out indefinitely with an upper-body injury, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports Thursday.
ANALYSIS
While the team didn't offer any specifics, McGroarty's status for Opening Night against the Rangers on Oct. 7 seems to be in doubt. Once cleared to play, the 21-year-old winger should be in the mix for a middle-six role and could push even further up the depth chart if Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell are traded at some point. For now, tryout signee Robby Fabbri could benefit the most from some extra minutes.
While the team didn't offer any specifics, McGroarty's status for Opening Night against the Rangers on Oct. 7 seems to be in doubt. Once cleared to play, the 21-year-old winger should be in the mix for a middle-six role and could push even further up the depth chart if Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell are traded at some point. For now, tryout signee Robby Fabbri could benefit the most from some extra minutes.
NHL Stats
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2024 NHL Game Log
2025
2024
2024 NHL Game Log
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2024–25 Time On Ice Stats
- Average Time On Ice: 14:37
- Average Power Play TOI: 0:31
- Average Short-Handed TOI: 0:15
Ice Time
Power Play
Short-Handed
2024–25
14:37
0:31
0:15
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2024 Fantasy Outlook
Drafted by the Winnipeg Jets with the 14th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, McGroarty apparently didn't see a future with the club and asked for his NHL rights to be traded -- otherwise he would have hit the open market as a free agent. Pittsburgh was willing to make a deal, sending Brandon Yager the other way since the club viewed McGroarty as the more NHL-ready of the two. Even if McGroarty makes the Opening Night roster, he may still have to spend some time in the minors with AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton developing his game.
More Fantasy News
Not ready for main camp
McGroarty (undisclosed) won't be available for Thursday's on-ice practice session to begin training camp.
ANALYSIS
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Dealing with undisclosed injury
McGroarty will not take part in the Penguins' Prospect Challenge after suffering an undisclosed injury, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
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Skating Thursday
McGroarty (lower body) is skating at the USA Hockey's national goaltender development camp, Sean Shapiro of DLLS Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
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Shut down for NHL season
McGroarty (lower body) will not return for the Penguins this season, but he could still be an option during the Calder Cup Playoffs for AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
ANALYSIS
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Exits after blocked shot
McGroarty sustained a lower-body injury in Tuesday's game versus the Blackhawks.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Expected to stay in Pittsburgh
McGroarty, who was recalled from the minors Friday, is slated to finish the 2024-25 campaign with the Penguins, per Josh Yohe of The Athletic.
ANALYSIS
With Pittsburgh's playoff chances essentially zero, the team brought up both McGroarty and Ville Koivunen from AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. After a slow start to the season, the 20-year-old McGroarty has produced 14 goals and 25 helpers in 60 appearances with the Baby Pens. Barring a dramatically bad stint with Pittsburgh this year, McGroarty should be a strong candidate for an Opening Night roster spot ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
With Pittsburgh's playoff chances essentially zero, the team brought up both McGroarty and Ville Koivunen from AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. After a slow start to the season, the 20-year-old McGroarty has produced 14 goals and 25 helpers in 60 appearances with the Baby Pens. Barring a dramatically bad stint with Pittsburgh this year, McGroarty should be a strong candidate for an Opening Night roster spot ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.