Rutger McGroarty Makes Progress in Recovery as Penguins Prepare for Preseason Finale

by October 3, 2025

Rutger McGroarty’s Offseason Challenges

Rutger McGroarty, a forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins, has had a challenging offseason, having been sidelined due to an upper-body injury. This injury has kept him from participating in both the training camp and the preseason, a setback announced by Kyle Dubas, the team’s general manager and president, prior to the start of the training sessions. McGroarty was expected to contend for a position on the opening night roster, particularly after demonstrating his readiness for NHL competition during his previous stint with the team at the close of the 2024-25 season.

Recent Developments

However, a glimmer of hope emerged on Friday when McGroarty took to the ice for the first time since his injury. While he is not likely to be prepared for the Penguins’ regular-season opener on Tuesday, this progress marks a positive development in his rehabilitation process. The young forward had shown promising chemistry with the team’s captain, Sidney Crosby, at the end of the last season, suggesting that when McGroarty fully recovers, he could benefit from further practice alongside Crosby.

Performance Overview

Last season, McGroarty appeared in eight NHL games, where he netted one goal and accrued three points. In addition to his time in the NHL, he played 60 games with the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, recording a total of 14 goals and 39 points.

Upcoming Events

The Penguins are set to conclude their preseason on Friday evening, facing off against the Buffalo Sabres at 7 p.m. ET. For the latest updates on the Pittsburgh Penguins, including news on their roster and player developments, be sure to bookmark THN – Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab.