"We would like to thank Matt for everything he's done in his five seasons with the Penguins," said Rutherford. "He was instrumental to our back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships, and we wish him the best."
Gruden, 20, played the 2019-20 season with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, where he appeared in 59 games, recording 30 goals, 36 assists, 66 points and was plus-20. His 30 goals ranked second on the team while his 66 points were fourth most.
Prior to his time in London, the 6-foot, 172-pound Gruden played one season of collegiate hockey with Miami University (Ohio). He accumulated 15 points (3G-12A) in 38 games.
The Rochester Hills, Michigan native was drafted by Ottawa in the fourth round (95th overall) in the 2018 NHL Draft. He was a member of the U.S. National Team Development Program for two seasons from 2016-18, serving as an alternate captain of Team USA at the World Junior Championship in 2018, helping them to a silver medal.
With the addition of the 52nd overall pick, Pittsburgh now owns five selections in the 2020 NHL Draft:
Penguins' 2020 NHL Draft Picks
Round 2 Pick #52
Round 3 Pick #77
Round 4 Pick #108
Round 5 Pick #139
Round 6 Pick #170
