Friedman: Winnipeg Jets taking trade offers for 1st rounder Rutger McGroarty

Drafted 14th overall in 2022 by the Winnipeg Jets, Rutger McGroarty, who has already committed to the University of Michigan next season, could be on his way out of the Jets organization.

Friedman said in the latest 32 Thoughts episode that McGroarty's side and the Jets aren't talking about an entry-level contract, and that his name came up in trade talks:

The Jets have great offensive depth, but some work needs to be done on their defensive unit.

Trading McGroarty for a great defenseman would be an interesting scenario for Kevin Cheveldayoff, the Jets' general manager.

Teams that are looking for young talents, like the Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, or Anaheim Ducks, could be in the derby to get him.

Perhaps no team could present a more compelling offer than the Montreal Canadiens. They have multiple interesting defensemen and draft picks available, Kent Hughes, the Habs' GM, often pulls off big moves at the draft, and has already completed trades with the Jets in previous seasons.

Defensemen like David Savard, Jordan Harris, or Justin Barron (Morgan's brother), could tempt the Jets to listen to the Habs if they inquire about McGroarty.