The Pittsburgh Penguins got a welcome sight at practice on Saturday morning: Rutger McGroarty back on the ice in a full-contact jersey. That’s a big step forward for the 20-year-old winger, who’s been sidelined recently after suffering a concussion during practice.
While concussions are notoriously unpredictable in terms of recovery timelines, McGroarty’s return to contact drills signals progress. He had been skating on his own prior to team practices, but this marks the first time he’s been cleared to take full contact-an important milestone on the road back to game action.
Head coach Dan Muse confirmed after practice that McGroarty has been cleared for contact, but emphasized that his overall status hasn’t changed just yet. “It’s another step,” Muse said. “His status hasn’t changed, but that is another good step in the right direction.”
For Penguins fans eager to see the former first-round pick back in the lineup, the update is encouraging-but it doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be suiting up in Pittsburgh anytime soon. The expectation is that once McGroarty is fully healthy, he’ll be assigned to the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, much like Ville Koivunen was earlier this season.
Right now, there just isn’t a clear spot for McGroarty on the NHL roster. The Penguins' forward group is relatively set, and both McGroarty and Koivunen are still working to find consistency at the NHL level. Sending them to Wilkes-Barre gives them a chance to log big minutes, develop their game, and stay ready in case an opportunity opens up due to injury or roster movement.
McGroarty had shown flashes of promise earlier this season-arguably more than Koivunen-but neither young forward has quite broken through to earn a permanent spot in the big league lineup. That’s not unusual for players at this stage of their development. The AHL stint isn’t a demotion-it’s a chance to sharpen their game and prove they’re ready when the next call-up comes.
If McGroarty continues to progress and gets back to full game shape, there’s always a chance Muse gives him a look in Pittsburgh before sending him down. But long-term, the smart play is to give him the time and space to dominate at the AHL level, build confidence, and be fully ready for the next opportunity.
For now, the Penguins will be keeping a close eye on his recovery. And if McGroarty can stay healthy and find his rhythm in Wilkes-Barre, it’s only a matter of time before he’s pushing for NHL minutes again.