F Rutger McGroarty - WBS Penguins, AHL (2022, 14th, WPG; traded to PIT)

[hockeynorth]

He is a tough kid, stands up for his teammates and is obviously a leader with some skill. I would be happy if he turned into anything like a David Backes who had a number of really good years offensively. Inside the top 10 would be very surprising for me but would love to see him get there!

LOVE that comp, been trying to think of one and just couldn't

 

[majormajor]

Backes is huge compared to McGroarty. McGroarty is in that "big for a junior, average for an NHLer" spot. I think he'll end up being a strong overall NHLer but not that special.

 

[AmericanDream]

Backes is huge compared to McGroarty. McGroarty is in that "big for a junior, average for an NHLer" spot. I think he'll end up being a strong overall NHLer but not that special.

Backes was maybe 1.5 inches taller and 10lbs heavier at his draft vs Rutger...hardly a "huge" difference...

Backes was a big boy no doubt, and I doubt Rutger will reach that physicality level, but offensive comps aren't far off and Rutger still has some growth left in him..

 

[majormajor]

Backes was maybe 1.5 inches taller and 10lbs heavier at his draft vs Rutger...hardly a "huge" difference...

Backes was a big boy no doubt, and I doubt Rutger will reach that physicality level, but offensive comps aren't far off and Rutger still has some growth left in him..

EP has Backes at 6'3 and McGroarty at 6'0. Maybe 10% of young men grow an inch or more at age 18 or later, most are done growing. And if McGroarty is 6'0 205, then most likely he isn't going to get bigger. He'll have to be a scary scorer (which I'm not ruling out) because he won't be scaring any NHLers with his size.

 

[AmericanDream]

EP has Backes at 6'3 and McGroarty at 6'0. Maybe 10% of young men grow an inch or more at age 18 or later, most are done growing. And if McGroarty is 6'0 205, then most likely he isn't going to get bigger. He'll have to be a scary scorer (which I'm not ruling out) because he won't be scaring any NHLers with his size.

Backes is 38 years old...his measurements are what he last was measured at in the NHL. Like I said maybe 10lbs off and 1.5-2 inches (I will wait for draft measurements). Again, hardly a "huge" difference.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

EP has Backes at 6'3 and McGroarty at 6'0. Maybe 10% of young men grow an inch or more at age 18 or later, most are done growing. And if McGroarty is 6'0 205, then most likely he isn't going to get bigger. He'll have to be a scary scorer (which I'm not ruling out) because he won't be scaring any NHLers with his size.

McGroarty is listed at 6'1 204 on the most recent NTDP listing, and that came before he turned 18, so it's possible he gets taller and stronger. I think he could potentially be 6'2 210 eventually, and it wouldn't be that surprising.

 

[Stewie Griffin]

I've said before and I will stand by it...he is a less-explosive skating version of Timo Meier.

 

[CheckingLineCenter]

I am hoping he gets to the Pens. My top realistic target.

 

[HoweFan]

Is his skating as bad as it’s sometimes made out to be

 

[Jacob]

Too many Rs.

 

[Groo]

Too many Rs.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Is his skating as bad as it’s sometimes made out to be

He’s not a bad skater. It’s such a myth. He’s just not an explosive skater.

 

[HaveKnifeWillButcher]

Too many Rs.

McGOATy

 

[99ovr]

Rutger McGroarty or Cutter Gauthier?

Both have HOF names and seem to have similar games but who goes higher and why?

 

[SI90]

My 2 favorites for my isles are Brad Lambert and Rutger Mcgroarty.

 

[SI90]

LOVE that comp, been trying to think of one and just couldn't

It’s actually a great comp. I was thinking of a center version of Anders Lee and Backes definitely fits the bill.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Rutger McGroarty or Cutter Gauthier?

Both have HOF names and seem to have similar games but who goes higher and why?

Gauthier will go higher because NHL teams like safe players.

 

[AmericanDream]

McGroarty is listed at 6'1 204 on the most recent NTDP listing, and that came before he turned 18, so it's possible he gets taller and stronger. I think he could potentially be 6'2 210 eventually, and it wouldn't be that surprising.

I think that is right in the ballpark for him. He has a thick frame as well, I think putting on lbs won't be an issue if that is the way he goes.

Backes was a bigger kid and a bull dozer out there, but Rutger can be something like David was who IMO was pretty underrated as an offensive player for a good 6-7 year stretch.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

He has 6+1=7 in 4 games so far in this tournament. Doesn’t mean he’s some one-dimensional goal scorer either. People always confuse that type of stuff when a player puts up lopsided totals of goals or assists in a short tournament. Elite goal scorer and passer. May have the highest scoring upside in the upcoming draft.

 

[majormajor]

Gauthier will go higher because NHL teams like safe players.

What's not safe about McGroarty?

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

What's not safe about McGroarty?

I think he’s incredibly safe, but I also don’t make the picks. I read questions about his skating and that he’s only a scorer.

 

[LeProspector]

Reminds me alot of Colin White

 

[57special]

Rutger McGroarty or Cutter Gauthier?

Both have HOF names and seem to have similar games but who goes higher and why?

Gauthier for me. Bigger, better skater, flashes more skill than McGroarty. Gauthier(and his body) are still figuring it out, but i see a higher ceiling with him.

 

[57special]

Reminds me alot of Colin White

or Bellows?

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Gauthier for me. Bigger, better skater, flashes more skill than McGroarty. Gauthier(and his body) are still figuring it out, but i see a higher ceiling with him.

Gauthier has flashier puck-handling. When it matters in a situation during a game where pure skill is needed, I think McGroarty can make higher skill plays.