Maple Leafs prospect due for a huge production spike after recent trade

After months of speculation, the Winnipeg Jets have finally traded their disgruntled former first round pick earlier today to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Brayden Yager. It is expected that McGroarty will make his NHL debut and subsequently start his NHL career with the Penguins this season, therefore leaving a vacant spot in the top-6 at the University of Michigan for Moldenhauer to reach out and grab this season.

After being drafted with the 14th overall selection in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, McGroarty had spent the last 2 seasons with Michigan but was not offered an entry-level contract at the end of the 2023-24 season, which rubbed him the wrong way and eventually led to his exit from the Jets. This scenario worked out well for Moldenhauer as he looks to solidify his spot in the top-6 ahead of the 2024-25 season with a lot of fellow teammates making the jump to the NHL and AHL.

The 3rd round pick from the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Moldenhauer spent his draft+1 season in the USHL with the Chicago Steel, where he scored 30 goals and 75 points in just 55 games. He then committed to the University of Michigan, where he tallied 21 points in 41 games last year as a freshman.

With Gavin Brindley, Frank Nazar, and McGroarty all possibly playing in the NHL next year, that leaves Moldenhauer in a great position to get more ice time in his 2nd season. The Mississauga native stands in at 5'10 and 170 pounds, plays the right-wing, is a right-handed shot, and has a proclivity to score goals. Look for the 20-year-old to have a breakout campaign as he will be relied upon heavily this year.

Source for stats: Hockey DB
Nick Moldenhauer