Winnipeg Jets Fans Mock Rutger McGroarty Following His AHL Send-Down

In the upcoming seasons, Rutger McGroarty was anticipated to emerge as a brilliant young star for the Winnipeg Jets. After playing for the University of Michigan for a number of seasons, the young forward declined to sign with the Jets this past offseason and instead asked for a trade. The Jets reportedly refused to guarantee McGroarty a spot on their NHL roster, which prompted the request.

As a result, McGroarty was sent away in a significant trade. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Brayden Yager,, a prospect for the team.

The Pittsburgh Penguins signed Rutger McGroarty right away after the trade, leading many to believe he would be joining the NHL. McGroarty remained with the Pittsburgh Penguins during training camp and did manage to secure a spot on the roster for opening night. But Rutger McGroarty was traded to the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins after just three NHL games and no points.

In a matter of days, the Pittsburgh Penguins made the trip to Winnipeg to play the Jets. Throughout the game, it was evident that the Winnipeg supporters were still cognizant of what their former prospect had done. "Where is Rutger?" was chanted by the supporters at one point.

Rutger McGroarty has had a rough start to his NHL career, playing just two games and scoring zero points since being sent back to the AHL. Rutger McGroarty still has a lot of potential for his NHL career in spite of these setbacks. He was one of the top players in the NCAA during his final season at the University of Michigan, scoring 52 points in 36 games, demonstrating his readiness for the NHL. It is now his responsibility to determine how to proceed.

When home fans taunt a player who isn't even playing for the other team, it's one of the more bizarre situations in the NHL. When he eventually returns to Winnipeg with the Penguins, it will be interesting to see how he is received.