Rutger McGroarty being targeted by the Toronto Maple Leafs

PUBLICATION

Daniel Lucente
July 6, 2024 (3:31 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets could piece together a trade to swap two of their young players who appear to be frustrated.

Both the Leafs and the Jets are dealing with a player who is frustrated with the current situation and who is looking for a change of scenery. Leafs forward Nick Robertson has told GM Brad Treliving that he does not want to re-sign with the team and has requested a trade. Rutger McGroarty of the Jets has been rumored to no longer want to play for Winnipeg, and he refused to sign his entry-level contract and did not show up to the Jets development camp.

🚨 NHL Rumor Alert! 🚨 Rutger McGroarty linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs 👇

Robertson is only 22 years old but has already dealt with several injuries. In 4 seasons with the Leafs, he has only appeared in 87 games, however, he just had his best season yet, notching 14 goals and 13 assists in 56 games.

McGroarty, on the other hand, has not played a single NHL game yet for the Jets after they drafted him in 2022. He is a very physical player, which is quite the opposite of Robertson. The Leafs already have plenty of players up front that can score goals, so perhaps adding a physical presence would help them take the next step in the playoffs, Rutger sure knows how to win when it matters most, as we've seen him do at the World Juniors.

Rutger McGroarty leading Team USA's celebration after winning the #WorldJuniors

Robertson is looking for moments where he can shine brighter, and McGroarty would probably enjoy playing hockey in the biggest Canadian city. Let's see how this plays out over the summer months.

Credit Blades of Steel:
Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly linked to Rutger McGroarty