Penguins Recall Rutger McGroarty

Ahead of tonight’s game in Anaheim the Penguins shared that top prospect Rutger McGroarty has been recalled from AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Already with an extra forward on their roster, it’s not immediately clear what motivated the call-up and if he’ll be inserted into the lineup or not.

McGroarty was last sent down one week ago as NHL opportunities continue to be limited. Coming away last season above the point-per-game mark, his AHL production continues to be there, currently ranking #1 in team scoring with 12 points in nine games. The former University of Michigan star made it clear he wasn’t interested in planting roots with the club who had drafted him 14th overall in 2022. Not necessarily a direct slight at the Winnipeg organization itself, the power forward wanted to seek out a more immediate NHL opportunity. He was traded in August 2024 to the Penguins in exchange for Brayden Yager, becoming the club’s top forward prospect and looking to be an instant contributor who could play alongside Sidney Crosby.

Now 22, McGroarty has shown plenty at the AHL level to be excited about, but the NHL impact has yet to materialize. The 6’2″ lefty still needs to put it all together and prove his top-six ceiling as opposed to a more middle-six outlook. Skating mechanics have played a big part in his lack of offense so far with nine points in 34 games. Averaging 13:40 across his two games last month, not finding the score sheet, McGroarty played on the third line and picked up a few shifts on the power play. In only around 23 minutes of ice time so far to reference, he’s received unusual zone starts at five-on-five with over 73% coming in his own end.

Reportedly ready to move out some veteran forwards, Pittsburgh has been so far unable to maintain last season’s 41-win pace. Sitting 28th in the league and losers of six out of their last ten games, unless something changes soon it’s not the swan song ending fans were hoping for. However, turning things over to a youth movement from an eleventh-oldest roster which has questionable playoff upside would benefit McGroarty greatly.

Considering that the “Baby Penguins” played in Charlotte last night, it’s safer to assume that Andrei Kuzmenko would get the nod over McGroarty who has to travel out to California. Assuming the club didn’t fly out their important youngster only to serve as an extra body, however, he could get into his third game of the campaign Wednesday night in San Jose.