The Pittsburgh Penguins are at a crossroads as a franchise. Their legendary core trio of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are all in their late thirties, and it’s unfair to still expect them to carry the team to success the way they did for most of their careers.
After 16 consecutive postseason appearances, the Penguins have not made it to the dance for three straight years now as they continue to embark on a retool led by general manager Kyle Dubas.
The goal is to get back into contention before Crosby and company retire, which is easier said than done. If they’re in fact going to execute on that plan, they need young players and prospects to jump in and provide a boost to the lineup. One of those guys they’re relying on is Rutger McGroarty.
McGroarty suited up in eight games with the Penguins during the 2024-25 season, where not only did he get to make his NHL debut, but he also got to play on a line with an idol in Sidney Crosby.
The 21-year-old was recently asked about his captain on the “Empty Netters” podcast and couldn’t have given a more glowing review of his leadership, welcoming him into the mix.
“Yeah, I mean, obviously everybody knows what he’s done for this game and the great person that he is. I think the coolest thing about Sid is that he could just be sitting here on this pod talking like a normal guy. He’s just such a genuine, great human being. And I think when I got up and I saw that I was playing with him, like, first practice, he made me feel so comfortable and feel great in that environment,” McGroarty said.
We all know what a great player Crosby is and the legacy he’s left on the sport, but the leadership component and the way he treats his teammates are just as important along the way to being the best.
McGroarty should see plenty more opportunities to play with the Pens’ stars in 2025-26
Now that Rutger McGroarty got his feet wet getting to play on a line with the likes of Crosby and Malkin, he’ll need to get used to it moving forward.
McGroarty and fellow top prospect Ville Koivunen saw top-six minutes and power play time upon being called upon near the end of the 2024-25 season, a signal of what’s to come in Pittsburgh.
Many feel the Penguins are poised to be in the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes, but if they’re able to find a way to stay in the mix and compete for a playoff spot, Rutger McGroarty and other youngsters will be a huge part of it.
