Pittsburgh Penguins are expected to cut former Winnipeg Jets top prospect Rutger McGroarty

This serves as a brief reminder that Rutger McGroarty, a rookie for the Pittsburgh Penguins, has experienced firsthand the challenges of securing a full-time role in the National Hockey League. Since training camp began last week, the 20-year-old forward has struggled enough to leave a lasting impression on the Penguins' coaching staff.

As a result, it shouldn't be shocking if he is not included on the opening-night roster; he will most likely be assigned to the team's AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

McGroarty has participated in both of the preseason games thus far, showing off his offensive prowess on multiple occasions, including one assist. But he remains a liability on defense, which has worried organizational decision-makers a little.

McGroarty expressed his own aggravation with these defensive zone lapses, mentioning multiple instances in which he had to scurry just to stay up with the play. Although he clearly has an offensive instinct, he still needs to improve in order to help the Penguins' defense as a whole.

Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now reports that some in the organization view McGroarty's patchy defensive play as a liability. His offensive hockey IQ is highly valued by the Penguins, but it hasn't been sufficient to earn him a spot on the team. His current defensive flaws have prevented him from making the squad because the team's decision-makers believe they could be too costly in the professional ranks.

The Winnipeg Jets selected McGroarty with the 14th overall pick in the 2022 draft. At 6'1" and more than 200 pounds, he can play both wings and adds some physicality to the rink. He demonstrated his offensive prowess in his sophomore season at the University of Michigan, scoring 52 points in 36 games.

However, he refused to play for Winnipeg, which prompted a trade demand. The Penguins took a chance and acquired him in August of last year, completing the transaction by moving top prospect Brayden Yager.

Rutger McGroarty's spot on the Penguins' depth chart is still up in the air, despite his apparent promise. He recently participated in Group Two practice, which is usually made up of players and prospects who will probably end up in the AHL. McGroarty still has four preseason games left, including back-to-back games against the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings, to persuade the Penguins management that he's worth keeping.

Perhaps the former first-round pick will have to wait a little while longer for an NHL debut unless there is a significant improvement in play, particularly on the defensive end of the puck.