The Tampa Bay Lightning have made an array of moves this offseason, and because of them, they have a much different-looking roster heading into 2024-25. While they have made some notable additions, it is clear that they could still use help on offense.
The Lightning have some cap space to work with but also still need to sign RFA defenseman J.J. Moser. Thus, it would not hurt for the Lightning to target young players with upside. One player who immediately stands out is Winnipeg Jets top prospect Rutger McGroarty.
McGroarty wants to be dealt, and the Jets have received plenty of interest in him. With the Lightning certainly needing to improve their prospect pool, McGroarty should be quite appealing to them.
McGroarty has been excellent at the NCAA level in each of the last two seasons with the University of Michigan. After posting 39 points in 39 games as a freshman in 2022-23, he had 16 goals and 52 points in 36 games this past season. With numbers like these, he is expected to develop into a top-six forward at the NHL level.
Ultimately, the Lightning are in a prime position to acquire a promising youngster like McGroarty. He would have the potential to provide them with a long-term, high-impact forward as they embark on their next chapter without longtime captain Steven Stamkos.
