Significant Trade between Winnipeg Jets and Pittsburgh Penguins

The Winnipeg Jets have completed a notable trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins, swapping top prospects in a deal confirmed by sources on Thursday.

In the trade, the Jets have sent forward McGroarty to Pittsburgh in exchange for forward Yager. Both players were selected 14th overall in their respective NHL drafts, with McGroarty chosen by Winnipeg in 2022 and Yager by Pittsburgh in 2023.

McGroarty, a native of Nebraska, expressed concerns regarding his future in Winnipeg, which led the Jets’ general manager, Kevin Cheveldayoff, to seek a trade partner.

Previously, McGroarty had announced his intent to return to the University of Michigan for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Last year, he contributed 16 goals and a total of 52 points in 36 games for the Wolverines.

However, following the trade to Pittsburgh, McGroarty’s timeline may change, as he has already signed an entry-level deal with the Penguins.

In return for McGroarty, the Winnipeg Jets acquired Yager, who is a promising two-way center known for his ability to compete in all situations. Yager recently signed his own entry-level contract with the Penguins after a successful season with the Moose Jaw Warriors, where he helped the team capture the WHL championship.

During the regular season, Yager achieved an impressive 95 points and maintained a strong performance in the playoffs with 27 points.

While McGroarty is likely closer to making his NHL debut, the change is beneficial for the Penguins, who have been seeking young talent following consecutive years of missing the postseason.

With a height of 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 200 pounds, McGroarty is recognized for his heavy playing style, combining skill and speed effectively. During his time at Michigan, he was a Hobey Baker nominee and received accolades including a spot on the All-Big Ten first team and the All-Big Ten tournament team.