McGroarty was placed on season-opening injured reserve Monday, per PuckPedia.
As expected, McGroarty's upper-body injury will keep him out for the start of the season. The No. 14 pick of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft racked up 14 goals and 25 assists in 60 games with AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last season and, once healthy, figures to see a middle-six role with the Penguins. Despite the injury, he remains a viable deep sleeper option in fantasy leagues.
McGroarty will be out indefinitely with an upper-body injury, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports Thursday.
While the team didn't offer any specifics, McGroarty's status for Opening Night against the Rangers on Oct. 7 seems to be in doubt. Once cleared to play, the 21-year-old winger should be in the mix for a middle-six role and could push even further up the depth chart if Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell are traded at some point. For now, tryout signee Robby Fabbri could benefit the most from some extra minutes.
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Penguins' Rutger McGroarty: Dealing with undisclosed injury
Rotowire
McGroarty will not take part in the Penguins' Prospect Challenge after suffering an undisclosed injury, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports Wednesday.
McGroarty's status is expected to be updated ahead of training camp, but any delay in his ability to start logging ice time with the full squad could limit his chances of making the Opening Night roster. If healthy, McGroarty could be in line for a middle-six role with the Penguins this year, and he should be a full-time option as the club looks to get younger.
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Penguins' Rutger McGroarty: Skating Thursday
Rotowire
McGroarty (lower body) is skating at the USA Hockey's national goaltender development camp, Sean Shapiro of DLLS Sports reports.
McGroarty missed the final three games of the regular season with the injury. The rookie had one goal and two assists in eight regular-season games with the Penguins after racking up 14 goals and 25 assists in 60 AHL appearances. McGroarty is expected to make the Penguins' roster out of training camp in October.
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Penguins' Rutger McGroarty: Shutdown for NHL season
Rotowire
McGroarty (lower body) will not return for the Penguins this season, but he could still be an option during the Calder Cup Playoffs for AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
McGroarty was starting to find some chemistry with Penguins captain Sidney Crosby on the top line, recording one goal, two assists and nine shots in five games. At this point, the 21-year-old McGroarty seems like a near-lock to make the Opening Night roster ahead of the 2025-26 campaign and could find himself playing in that coveted first-line role with Crosby -- a spot that naturally offers fantasy upside.
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Penguins' Rutger McGroarty: Exits after blocked shot
Rotowire
McGroarty sustained a lower-body injury in Tuesday's game versus the Blackhawks.
McGroarty blocked a shot late in the second period, and the Penguins aren't taking any chances with one of their top prospects. It's unclear if he'll be available for the Penguins' last road game of the season in New Jersey on Friday.
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Penguins' Rutger McGroarty: Sent down to minors
Rotowire
McGroarty was reassigned to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Wednesday.
McGroarty's demotion shouldn't come as a surprise considering he didn't play versus Montreal on Monday and was set to be scratched again Wednesday. General manager Kyle Dubas told reporters at the start of the season that he didn't want the 20-year-old winger sitting in the press box, so this move appears designed to get him some minutes. The Baby Pens play Friday and Saturday in a home-and-home with Lehigh Valley, which could see McGraoarty remain in the minors through at least Pittsburgh's next two contests, though it could certainly be longer.
