Penguins prospect dream comes true when he learned that he will be in the starting lineup on opening night

It was just in August when McGroarty was acquired by the Penguins from the Winnipeg Jets. The 14th overall pick in the 2022 draft felt like he was not developing as much as he wanted to, so a change was needed.

Less than two months later, McGroarty finds himself playing on the Pittsburgh Penguins home and season opener at PPG Paints Arena against the New York Rangers. The 22-year-old originally from Nebraska signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Penguins.

Rutger was all smiles when called into Mike Sullivan's office to learn the news that he will not just be making the team, but will be playing in his first NHL game with the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Sully broke the news during this clip on Pens TV.

With the lineups announced this morning, when now know McGroarty will be starting on the third line with Lars Eller at center and Jesse Puljujarvi on the opposite wing.

This moment was captured by Pens TV when McGroarty called his parents to let them know that he is starting in the game tonight. Sully told him to call his parents to get them here, and he did just that.

This is a great moment for a young player who just two months ago had no idea if he was even going to have a job let alone a starting position on the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Personally, as a lifelong Penguins fan, I am excited to see McGroarty get his chance to play with the Penguins. I look forward to watching how he fights the nerves and competes in his first NHL game.

The Penguins look to start the 2024-25 season with a win against the visiting New York Rangers. Puck drop is at 7pm.