Rutger McGroarty Exits Game After Suffering Scary Injury

As the Pittsburgh Penguins try and salvage the rest of their season as best they can, they are trying to get a good look at some pieces who are potentially going to be big time players not only next season but for the foreseeable future.

However, they'll be without one potential rookie sensation after suffering an injury as Rutger McGroarty, a potential franchise piece in a few seasons, left the game on Tuesday against Chicago after blocking a shot.

The rookie ended up skating to the bench before immediately heading to the locker room in a very concerning sign for the Penguins.

This could also end up having playoff ramifications for the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, as he would no doubt be a big part of their team after Pittsburgh's season ends.

McGroarty, who the Penguins drafted 14th overall in 2022, has only skated in seven games so far this season for the Penguins, however already does have three points. He scored his first career NHL goal against the St. Louis Blues on April 3.

It's a worrying sign as well that McGroarty was unable to put any weight on his leg, and it seemed he took a slap shot directly to the foot; one of the least protected parts of a skater.

While there's no word yet to the extent of the injury, though it's clear head coach Mike Sullivan is going to give an update as soon as he knows anything, but it doesn't quell any concerns even if he comes out and says he's fine.

We know that coaches will bend the truth in order to lessen the sting of a potential long-term absence, and it may just be the end of the line for McGroarty this season in the NHL, with only Wilkes-Barre a saving grace to keep playing this year.

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