Rutger McGroarty Could Accelerate the Wild’s Timeline – Minnesota Wild

Let’s say the Minnesota Wild are on the clock at No. 13 overall at Friday night’s draft. They should have several options available to them. If they’re lucky, perhaps someone like Berkly Catton, Konsta Helenius, or Carter Yakemchuk falls to them. Even if not, Minnesota would likely be able to add some intriguing, physical Norwegians in Michael Brandsegg-Nygard or Stian Solberg, among others.

But they wouldn’t usually be able to select Rutger McGroarty out of Michigan. That’s because the Winnipeg Jets already took McGroarty, the 6-foot-1 winger with a pro-ready frame, in the 2022 Draft. He went 14th overall, five picks before the Wild went to the podium to take Liam Öhgren at No. 19.

If the Wild had coveted McGroarty, now is their chance to show it. McGroarty reportedly wants out of Winnipeg. A rift has opened between the team and the player concerning the Jets’ handling of his decision of whether or not to join the NHL last season. Murat Ates of The Athletic reported on Saturday that “Winnipeg may be able to use McGroarty to acquire a first-round pick — and a high one at that,” later warning, “I’m under the impression that a trade is coming — and soon, likely before the draft.”

The Wild could follow through on the long-standing rumors surrounding Marco Rossi in a McGroarty trade because Winnipeg would also be interested in acquiring an NHL-ready player. But perhaps the smarter route would simply flip Minnesota’s first-round pick for the Wolverine. Put it this way: If McGroarty re-entered the draft, the Wild would have to take a long look at him if he fell to them at 13.

McGroarty had a breakout season of sorts at Michigan, where he scored a career-high 50 points in 35 games. He played that well despite suffering a fractured rib that punctured his lung in November. After returning to action in December’s World Junior Championships, McGroarty captained Team USA to Gold, scoring five goals and nine points in seven games. That includes notching the opening assist and closing goal in their 6-2 win over Sweden in the Gold Medal game.

His production skyrocketed upon re-joining the Wolverines. McGroarty went on a second-half run, scoring a staggering 10 goals and 34 points in 23 games. Most of these games were in the Big 10, and 13 were against teams that made the NCAA Tournament. He highlighted…