For Penguins' Rutger McGroarty, quest to prove he belongs is only just beginning

Cracking the Pittsburgh Penguins’ opening-night roster represents a massive accomplishment for Rutger McGroarty.

General manager Kyle Dubas, in trading Brayden Yager, considered the Penguins’ top prospect, for McGroarty, wagered the 20-year-old forward might be more NHL-ready and capable of helping the club now.

That McGroarty, who joined the Penguins in training camp after two seasons at Michigan, is starting the year in Pittsburgh as opposed to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is promising.

However, the real work for McGroarty in proving he belongs is only just beginning.

“I feel like to adapt, you just (have) to learn how to play, watch a lot of video and ask a lot of questions,” McGroarty said. “And obviously, come ready to play. … It’s the NHL. But I feel like I’ve done a good job adapting to the speed and that my game has translated pretty well. Hopefully, I’ll continue to do that (Wednesday).”

Judging by his preseason participation alone, it was obvious Penguins management wanted to take a close look at the 6-foot-1 left-handed shot.

McGroarty led all Penguins skaters in games played, suiting up for six of seven, and finished tied for second on the team with six points (one goal, five assists).

• If Mike Sullivan wants to change 'narratives' about using young players, Rutger McGroarty provides that chance

• Won't change tactics? Won't play the kids? Penguins coach Mike Sullivan pushes back at critics' 'narratives'

• Tim Benz: If Kyle Dubas keeps talking about the 'standard' for the Penguins, Mike Tomlin may start asking questions

McGroarty didn’t pass on taking some time to reflect on his journey and celebrate news of his inclusion on the Penguins’ roster with family.

“It was really cool, and it was a special moment for us, especially for my dad, as well,” McGroarty said. “He’s taught me pretty much everything I know about hockey. Pretty special moment for me and my parents. My sister is my best friend, so when I told her — we celebrate each other’s successes a lot — my family was pretty fired up.”

As the preseason wound down, coach Mike Sullivan placed McGroarty at wing on a line centered by 35-year-old veteran Lars Eller.

While personnel groupings are always subject to change, McGroarty beginning the year on the Penguins’ third line with Eller makes sense.

For one, Eller, who’s in his second season with Pittsburgh, has his coach’s trust as a responsible, two-way player.

Last year, Eller also was depended upon to serve as a quasi on-ice coach for the Penguins, with Sullivan placing younger players such as Valtteri Puustinen and Drew O’Connor on his wing.

If Sullivan is looking for an in-game role model for McGroarty, there are few better candidates in the Penguins locker room than Eller.

“I think he’s looked more and more comfortable and better as the weeks have went on here,” Eller said of McGroarty. “I think he’s got good abilities. I think he’s got the strength that’s needed to win battles, so he can win battles for the puck, which is crucial. Very good shot. He’s a natural goal-scorer, so hopefully we can make it work here. We’ll take it one day at a time.”

Eller no doubt will impart his hockey wisdom to McGroarty when it comes to Xs and Os.

But of equal importance in Eller’s mind will be assisting McGroarty in getting settled mentally.

“We’ll talk a lot,” Eller said. “It’s a little bit of hockey, but most of all, it’s about making him feel comfortable so he can be himself and try to play the same game that’s made him successful in the past — transfer it into the NHL speed. That may come with some ups and downs on the way, but we’re here to support him. I’ll help him as much as I can. But he’s got very good natural abilities.”

As an amateur, McGroarty transitioned effectively from the USA Hockey National Development Team to college.

But now, undoubtedly the most challenging jump awaits him.

McGroarty is ready to meet the trial head on.

“The only way you can learn is from playing in that amount of preseason games or playing in the actual NHL,” McGroarty said. “Just continuing to work on my game, stay consistent and just play my game — don’t try to be something that I’m not.”