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Former NHL coach calls out Rutger McGroarty for trade request


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River Hawk
August 25, 2024  (9:28 PM)
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Bruce Boudreau after being relieved of his Anaheim coaching duties
Photo credit: Canyon News

Following his recent trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Bruce Boudreau slammed Rutger McGroarty in a phone interview on TSN's Overdrive.

Rutger McGroarty was one of the top forward prospects heading into his draft year. He had two seasons with the U.S. National Development Team, with 27 goals and 52 points in 65 games. During the 2022 Entry, he was picked 14th overall by the Winnipeg Jets. However, after not making an NHL appearance, Rutger McGroarty asked the team, for a trade.
Just a few days ago, the Winnipeg Jets were able to honor his request. Rutger McGroarty was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for the 2023 14th-overall pick Brayden Yager. Shortly after that, Pittsburgh signed the forward to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Despite the trade going down successfully, Rutger McGroarty still faced backlash for his requests. Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward and NHL head coach flamed the prospect in a recent phone interview on TSN's Overdrive. During his call, he stated that Rutger McGroarty should have earned a spot on the roster instead of getting traded to one.
"It drives me nuts, you want to go out there and punch him in the head to be honest, because, listen: How can we like I mean you went through it, I went through it, all the older guys have gone through it, you got to come and make the team, you can't be given the spot right away.

I was reading that about McGroarty today that they wouldn't guarantee, Winnipeg wouldn't guarantee him a spot at the start of the season and that's one of the reasons he wanted to get traded, it's it just drives me crazy, I just think you have to earn your earn your spot...You have to go in there and earn a spot rather than come in and have the spot already there."


Bruce Boudreau has coached 1,087 games in the NHL and clearly understands what players need to do to make the cut. However, it is too late to make any difference for the Winnipeg Jets, who already traded the young forward. Hopefully, this does not tarnish Rutger McGroarty's chances at success in the league.

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