Zero chance Rutger isn't signed by WPG. He didn't sign this year due to limited roster turnover, once his season an Michigan is done, he will be a Jet.

There was absolutely zero justification to return to Michigan when he knew that both Brindley and Nazar were leaving, the team would be nowhere near as good as last year and have virtually zero chance at being competitive in the NCAA. The only reason is to wait out his rights expiring. What other Jets fans say about him and his family loving WPG is a huge cope. Will probably get used as a trade chip at the next deadline.

As a CHI fan, I would be fine with him going to free agency and signing here. But that would certainly suck for WPG. Hopefully Cutter Gauthier didn't start a trend.

Not to mention also the roster turnover at Michigan. Not that he didnt get to shine last year, but with Nazar and Brindley gone, its pretty much his team now. He can be the leader, do some damage in the frozen 4 tourney, then start his pro career. No reason not to stay another year if an NHL spot isnt guaranteed.

I disagree with that. No reason to rush a decision out of the NCAA if a lineup spot isnt guaranteed at WPG. With Nazar and Brindley leaving, he's the guy. More valuable leadership experience and hopefully another shot at an NCAA title

So it’s settled? He will stay at Michigan for the season 2024-2025?

oh yeah, he's already announced he's staying at Michigan back in April

Yup. I expect him to sign after his junior year is over in April.

I don't see any reason why he would pull an Adam Fox/Cutter Gauthier, BUT you never know. He's a REALLY good prospect. I think better than Nazar/Brindley (and I'm a Hawks fan). Do everything you can to get him to sign after this upcoming season.

Exactly!!

🤣

I still think WPG signs him but its definitely not a sure thing, He definitely went back to not only improve but to also have the option to look elsewhere if the top6 of Winnipeg is a still a logjam. Chicago would be one of the frontrunners for him if he goes to FA

He would be FA in the summer of 2026 after his senior year. That is a long time for him to wait and watch his draft class be closer to being out of their ELCs and further along the path to bigger contracts.

that didn't age well...

Devastated.

I know... sorry about that.
Those american players like Gauthier and McGroarty are starting a bad trend of entitlement.
There should be a revised rule for NCAA players, to avoid that happening constantly.