Penguins & Jets Swap Former 1st-Round Picks In Rare 'Win-Win' Trade

In a rather unique transaction considering the pieces involved, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Winnipeg Jets have exchanged top prospects and former No. 14 picks separated by one year. In the eyes of ESPN's Ryan S. Clark , this could end up being considered a "win-win" trade for both franchises.

The Jets sent forward Rutger McGroarty, the No. 14 pick in the 2022 NHL draft, to Pittsburgh in return for forward Brayden Yager, the No. 14 pick in the 2023 NHL draft, the NHL and both franchises announced on August 22 .

McGroarty, a 20-year-old forward, was drafted by the Jets in the summer of 2022 but Winnipeg struggled to sign him to an entry-level contract. After McGroarty expressed concerns about his future with the franchise, both parties never reached an agreement and McGroarty forced his way out of Canada.

Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff thankfully found a trade partner in Pittsburgh. The Penguins have already inked McGroarty to an entry-level deal , signaling their confidence in his ability to contribute to the team’s success and the player's willingness to turn pro outside of Winnipeg.

On the other side, Yager, still a 19-year-old two-way center, heads to Winnipeg. Yager was also picked at the same position, only one year after McGroarty.

Yager recently signed his own entry-level contract with Pittsburgh in July 2024. Yager had an impressive season with the Moose Jaw Warriors in the WHL, helping his team win the championship. The youngster scored 95 points in the regular season and put up 27 additional points in the playoffs.

The trade surely represents a fresh start for both McGroarty and Yager as they continue to develop their careers in new environments, one player certainly needing a change of scenery much more than the other.

Related: Penguins Insider Reveals Possible Sidney Crosby Trade Package