Penguins Recall Rutger McGroarty And Boko Imama From WBS

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced a major roster move today, Monday, December 1st, bolstering their forward depth with the recall of Rutger McGroarty and Bokondji Imama. The call-ups were facilitated by the reassignments of Tristan Broz and Danton Heinen to WBS, clearing the necessary roster spots.

The transaction is headlined by the much-anticipated arrival of Rutger McGroarty, the Penguins’ consensus No. 1 prospect. His promotion marks a significant step, as it gets his professional campaign truly underway following an injury sustained at the beginning of training camp.

Spotlight on Rutger McGroarty

The road to Pittsburgh was briefly stalled for the dynamic young forward. McGroarty, the 14th overall pick (2022), was initially expected to contend for a top-six role, potentially flanking Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin, before an upper-body injury caused him to fail his physical on day one of training camp.

After a necessary recovery period, the Penguins assigned him to WBS for what was deemed a conditioning stint. McGroarty quickly showed he has shaken off any rust and affirmed his status as an NHL-ready talent:

• AHL Performance (WBS Penguins): In just five appearances, McGroarty recorded an impressive 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points.
• Dominant Start: He opened his AHL season with a commanding four-game goal streak and recorded at least one point in all five games.
• Impact: He posted a +3 rating while showcasing the offensive flair and skill that had him projected for a prominent NHL role.

His immediate dominance in the minors confirms that the Penguins’ management views him as an integral part of their attack moving forward.

Imama Recalled for Grit, Forechecking, and Dedication

Veteran forward Bokondji Imama joins McGroarty on the recall. Known for his physicality and size (6’1″, 223 lbs), Imama brings valuable experience to the bottom six. Management has specifically praised his strong forechecking ability as a key component of his game.

Imama’s recall is backed by solid AHL performance, highlighted by his role as a team leader in a key category:

• AHL Performance (WBS Penguins): In 19 games this season, Imama has tallied 3 goals and 1 assist for 4 points.
• Physical Metrics: His impact is best illustrated by his team-leading 32 penalty minutes (PIM), cementing his reputation as a heavy hitter.
• Perseverance Story: Imama’s dedication is highlighted by his career-high 16 NHL appearances for Pittsburgh last season and his nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in the 2024-2025 season—an award recognizing perseverance and dedication to hockey.

The Penguins are counting on Imama’s high work rate and veteran presence to contribute to the club’s energy.