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Penguins prospect Rutger McGroarty faces injury scare after awkward moment in his first game of the season
Tonight, Penguins top prospect Rutger McGroarty was faced with yet another injury scare moment in his first game of the season in the AHL.
Heading into the 2025-26 season fans were excited to see the continued growth of prospect Rutger McGroarty after acquiring him from the Winnipeg Jets a couple of seasons ago.
Unfortunately, McGroarty's season was put on hold after he was ruled out indefinitely in September by the Penguins.
Tonight, McGroarty along with goaltender Joel Blomqvist finally returned to game action as they were activated and assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the AHL.
With this return, fans were hoping to see McGroarty come out of the gates strong after struggling to find his way in pro hockey so far as a Penguin.
Just minutes into his season debut, McGroarty was once again facing adversity after taking a puck to the face.
Rutger McGroarty faces injury scare after taking a puck to the face
Early in the Penguins contest against the Springfield Thunderbirds, McGroarty was forced to the locker room after being hit with a puck in the face on a clearing attempt from Tristan Broz.
Luckily, McGroarty would not be gone for long and upon returning made an immediate impact on the game scoring his first goal of the season.
Hopefully, the goal for McGroarty will spark his play and confidence early and allow the young talent to make an impact in the AHL going forward.
After the game, it will be interesting to hear from McGroarty about how he is feeling after this incident and his return from injury overall going forward.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 15 | 81 ANSWERS Penguins prospect Rutger McGroarty faces injury scare after awkward moment in his first game of the season Do you still believe Rutger McGroarty can be a star level player for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the future? | ||
| Yes | 66 | 81.5 % |
| No | 15 | 18.5 % |
| List of polls | ||