On the final day of the 2022 NHL Draft Combine, news is beginning to trickle in as to who the Toronto Maple Leafs (and 31 other NHL teams) had interviewed during the combine this week. We already know that the Leafs interviewed Slovak forward Filip Mesar and London, Ontario native Bryce McConnell-Barker, but another prospect that the Buds had interviewed this week should have a lot of Leafs fans very excited.
Rutger McGroarty was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, but funny enough, he is a USA/Canadian dual citizen and he actually grew up a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Beyond that, he's also a sensational puck handler who possesses elite playmaking ability and has an affinity for scoring big goals. McGroarty is a 6'0, 205-pound 18-year-old left winger who also has the ability to play up the middle. He projects to be a top-six forward at the NHL level.
A product of the US National Development Program, like fellow American Auston Matthews, McGroarty plays a hard-nosed, two-way game and shows absolutely no quit, playing fast from whistle to whistle. He forces plenty of turnovers with an active stick and good vision and anticipation. His skating could use some work, particularly his clumsy stride, but it doesn't appear to hinder him in any way right now and he still possesses plenty of speed. Plus, with skating being one of the Leafs' development team's strengths, they should be able to help correct some of McGroarty's issues with his stride.
McGroarty revealed his Leafs fandom during an interview today from the combine, and when asked what it would be like to have a chance to play with two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner, Auston Matthews, McGroarty stated that he's as excited as anyone would be for the opportunity.
What should be most exciting about McGroarty to Leafs fans is the fact he sits in the 21-29 range on most draft rankings, so right in the wheelhouse of where the Leafs are slated to pick at 25th overall.
