Where does Rutger McGroarty fit in the Penguins’ lineup?

Going into the 2024-25 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ roster had already looked to have some positional battles brewing in training camp.

And as of a few days ago, those battles may have just gotten a lot more interesting.

On August 22, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Rutger McGroarty in a prospect swap with the Winnipeg Jets for Brayden Yager.

McGroarty, one of the league’s top prospects, requested a trade from the Jets earlier this summer because he was not happy with his career trajectory with the organization. He sought a more surefire shot to play at the NHL level this season in a different city.

Presumably, the Penguins seem willing to give McGroarty that opportunity. So where will he fit in the Penguins’ lineup, presuming that he makes the roster out of camp?

It is no secret that McGroarty has top-six talent. He has the shot, the intangibles, the two-way awareness, and the playmaking ability to become an effective top-six winger.

However, the one knock on McGroarty in most scouting reports is his skating. Because this is definitely something to look out for, he may need some time to improve that facet of his game and – quite literally – find his stride and get up to speed at the NHL level.

Also, given head coach Mike Sullivan’s history with young players – and, even, with new players in the organization after a trade or a signing – he tends to ease them into their new role within the Penguins’ system.

With those factors combined, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see McGroarty start the season on the third line, despite his top-six toolset and upside. It may not be the worst thing for both the young forward and the team, as Drew O’Connor has proven himself serviceable alongside Sidney Crosby and McGroarty would start his NHL career in a lower-pressure setting.

That being said: The Penguins should not hold out very long to see how McGroarty fits with Crosby. Not only do the Penguins need all of the scoring help they can get, but McGroarty profiles as the kind of winger that has historically had success with Crosby.

Like Guentzel, there is finesse and high hockey IQ in his game. Like Chris Kunitz, he plays a solid two-way game with some hardline meanness and physicality. Like Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell, he excels on the forecheck and is cerebral in his ability to create space.

And like the captain himself, he possesses the intangibles – such as leadership and work ethic – that are needed for a good prospect to truly blossom into something more at the NHL level.

So all in all, McGroarty needs to play in the top-six at some point this season, and he should see regular time on either the first or second power play as well. But when the puck drops on October 9, expect the five-on-five forward lines to look more like this (as the roster stands at this juncture):

Drew O’Connor – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust

Michael Bunting – Evgeni Malkin – Rickard Rakell

Rutger McGroarty – Kevin Hayes – Cody Glass

Blake Lizotte – Lars Eller – Noel Acciari

Extra Forwards: Valtteri Puustinen, Anthony Beauvillier

Related: BREAKING: Penguins acquire top prospect Rutger McGroarty from Jets

Related: 5 Things to Know About Penguins Prospect Rutger McGroarty

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