For Penguins' Rutger McGroarty, the quest to prove he belongs has just begun

For Rutger McGroarty, cracking the opening night roster of the Pittsburgh Penguins is a massive accomplishment.

General manager Kyle Dubas considered Brayden Yager to be the Penguins' top prospect, while McGroarty bet the 20-year-old forward might be more NHL-ready and capable of helping the club now.

The fact that McGroarty, who joined the Penguins in training camp after two seasons at Michigan, is starting the year in Pittsburgh and not in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is promising.

However, the real work for McGroarty to prove he belongs is just beginning.

“I want to adapt, you just have to learn how to play, watch a lot of videos and ask a lot of questions,” McGroarty said. “And of course you’re ready to play. … It’s the NHL. But I feel like I did a good job of adapting to the speed and my game translated pretty well. Hopefully I continue to do that (Wednesday).”

Based on his participation in the preseason alone, it was obvious that the Penguins management wanted to take a close look at the 6-foot-2 left-hander.

McGroarty led all Penguins skaters in games played, appearing in six of seven games and finishing tied for second on the team with six points (one goal, five assists).

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McGroarty made sure to take some time to reflect on his journey and celebrate the news of his addition to the Penguins roster with his family.

“It was really cool and it was a special moment for us, especially for my dad,” McGroarty said. “He taught me pretty much everything I know about hockey. A very special moment for me and my parents. My sister is my best friend. When I told her that we really celebrate each other’s successes, my family was really excited.”

As preseason came to a close, coach Mike Sullivan placed McGroarty at wing on a line centered by 35-year veteran Lars Eller.

While personnel breakdowns can always change, it makes sense for McGroarty to start the year on the Penguins' third line with Eller.

For one thing, Eller, who is in his second season with Pittsburgh, enjoys his coach's trust as a responsible, two-way player.

Last year, Eller was also used as a quasi-on-ice coach for the Penguins, with Sullivan putting younger players like Valtteri Puustinen and Drew O'Connor on his wing.

If Sullivan is looking for a role model for McGroarty in the game, there are few better candidates in the Penguins locker room than Eller.

“I think he’s gotten more and more comfortable and better as the weeks have gone on,” Eller said of McGroarty. “I think he has good skills. I think he has the strength needed to win battles, so he can win battles for the puck, which is crucial. Very good shot. He's a natural goalscorer, so let's hope it works out here. We’ll take it one day at a time.”

Eller will no doubt pass on his hockey wisdom to McGroarty when it comes to Xs and Os.

But it will be just as important for Eller to help McGroarty find his way mentally.

“We’ll talk a lot,” Eller said. “It's a little bit of hockey, but mostly it's about getting him comfortable so he can be himself and try to play the same game that made him successful in the past – and make it to the NHL Transferring speed.” It may have some ups and downs, but we are here to support him. I'll help him as best I can. But he has very good natural ability.”

As an amateur, McGroarty effectively transitioned from the US Hockey National Development Team to college.

But now the most demanding jump undoubtedly awaits him.

McGroarty is prepared to face the lawsuit head-on.

“The only way to learn is to play in as many preseason games or play in the actual NHL,” McGroarty said. “I just keep working on my game, staying consistent and just playing my game – don’t try to be someone I’m not.”