Rutger McGroarty, a Winnipeg Jets prospect and the 14th overall pick in the 2022 draft, reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the way the Jets had handled him earlier this week. He and his father made it known that they were seeking for a chance to play elsewhere, if it were made possible. Reports that left-wing Nikolaj Ehlers might also want a change of scenery for the upcoming season first arose in June.
This has given rise to rumors that the Jets and the Chicago Blackhawks have been talking about a blockbuster trade that would send McGroarty and Ehlers to Chicago in return for forward Lukas Reichel, defenseman Connor Murphy, and a first-round selection in 2024.
It is well known that the Blackhawks need forward support to aid sophomore Connor Bedard, but would the Jets be overcommiting and will it ultimately benefit both teams? Even though McGroarty is almost ready to advance and Ehlers has already proven he is a legitimate NHL player, could this be another instance of Kyle Davidson trying to con Kevin Cheveldayoff?
The first-round pick in question is a strong pick, and Murphy and Reichel have a ton of talent, but are the Jets in a win-now mode or can they afford to wait and see if the above work out?
