Rutger McGroarty is an underrated, highly competitive scorer. He has such a specific profile that many NHL teams will covet. He possesses elite offensive traits, including high-end scoring instincts that will translate well to the professional level, but it’s his physical gifts that will set him apart from other prospects. An extremely competitive player, he isn’t shy to engage in physical play and throw his body weight around at both ends of the ice. There are many solid attributes in his game, but his shooting ability is his bread and butter and is what will make him a nightmare to play against. He generates a ton of power off his quick release and unlike a lot of younger players, his accuracy is very well refined. While many will consider him a sniper, he is a capable facilitator who can spot passing lanes and take advantage when the defense gives him an opening. He’s a multi-dimensional player who poses a threat both off the rush and out of the cycle down low. If there are any weaknesses in his game, it has to be his overall skating ability. He has decent speed when he gets to reach his full execution, but has a choppy stride that doesn’t allow him to generate quick bursts of speed and push the pace as a puck-carrier. Normally bad skating would be a big red flag, but we know that it’s easier to improve than it once was and the other facets of his game easily outweighs any risk his skating ability poses. No doubt, NHL scouts value goal-scoring, leadership, and high-effort levels, and certainly he brings all of that to the table. McGroarty’s physical traits, hockey skills, and production are tough to ignore and he has the potential to be a top-six scoring forward for a decade-plus if he should hit his full potential.

– FCHockey’s 2022 NHL Draft Guide