Jets, top prospect McGroarty appear to be at impasse over immediate future

Could the relationship between the Winnipeg Jets and top forward prospect Rutger McGroarty be over before it really even begins? The Free Press has learned the two sides are at an apparent impasse over the direction of his career to the point the team may have no choice but to trade his rights or eventually risk losing him for nothing. In that sense, it appears McGroarty has entered “it's not me, it's you” territory. The 14th-overall pick of the 2022 NHL Draft made a somewhat surprising decision back in April that he was planning to return to the University of Michigan Wolverines program for his junior season this fall, rather than turn pro immediately and join the organization.