Roger McQueen (RW, R, 6’5″, 192, Brandon Wheat Kings, 10/02/2006)
Roger McQueen, a 6’5″, 190-pound right-shot center, projects as a potential top-five selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. McQueen’s blend of size, skill, and hockey sense makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in his draft class. His ability to impact games with his physical presence and offensive skills is noteworthy, but NHL scouts will be closely watching his development in several key areas during the 2024/25 season to assess whether he can translate his potential into NHL success.
Strengths:
- Elite Size and Physicality: McQueen’s 6’5″ frame gives him a clear advantage in battles, both along the boards and in front of the net. He consistently uses his size effectively to protect the puck, create time and space, and drive the middle lane in the offensive zone. McQueen is a net-front presence who thrives in high-traffic areas, making him a constant threat for rebounds and deflections. His physical tools make him difficult to contain, especially in cycle situations.
- Skating Mechanics and Mobility: Despite his tall, lanky build, McQueen is a surprisingly agile skater. He displays a long, powerful stride that allows him to cover a lot of ice efficiently. His strong edge work enables him to make quick directional changes, and he is effective both in straight-line speed and lateral movement. McQueen’s ability to beat defenders wide and his acceleration out of stops and starts give him an edge when creating offensive opportunities.
- Offensive Skill Set: McQueen has a pro-caliber shot with impressive power, accuracy, and a quick release. He has shown the ability to score from various areas of the ice, making him a dual threat as both a shooter and a playmaker. His vision and creativity with the puck allow him to make high-level plays, particularly on the power play where he effectively distributes the puck from the boards. McQueen’s confidence in his puck-handling and ability to execute under pressure add to his offensive impact.
- Hockey IQ and Offensive Instincts: McQueen’s hockey sense is a standout trait. He consistently reads the play well, positioning himself in high-danger areas and anticipating plays before they develop. He draws defenders to him with his size and puck skills, opening up space for his linemates. McQueen also excels at identifying when to shoot versus when to distribute the puck, making him a versatile offensive weapon. His awareness around the net and ability to execute quick, fluid plays make him a constant scoring threat.
Areas for Improvement:
- Consistency and Effort Level: While McQueen has all the physical and technical tools to dominate, his consistency and engagement level can fluctuate. There have been instances where he appears disengaged or fatigued, which limits his impact on the game. NHL scouts will be looking for him to bring a more consistent effort, both in terms of physical play and offensive production, on a shift-by-shift basis. Developing a relentless competitive edge will be critical to unlocking his full potential.
- Stride Mechanics and Speed Refinement: Although McQueen is a strong skater, there are areas for improvement in his stride mechanics. At times, he can lose power and speed due to suboptimal knee and toe alignment, particularly when fatigued. Continued development of his strength and power will allow him to maximize his speed and agility should be a focus for him moving forward. Improving his acceleration and ability to maintain top speed in all situations will help him become a more dangerous player in transition at the National League level.
- Discipline and Penalty Management: McQueen’s physicality is an asset, but he must learn that intimidation is part of his game and that stick penalties in the offensive zone take away his team’s momentum. Developing greater discipline in his game will be essential, particularly as he faces faster, more skilled and more disciplined competition at the pro level.
- Defensive Play and 200-Foot Game: As McQueen continues to develop, improving his play away from the puck will be crucial. He needs to show more commitment to his defensive responsibilities, particularly in his own zone. Scouts will be looking for him to become more engaged in backchecking, defensive positioning, and winning puck battles in all areas of the ice. Becoming a more complete, 200-foot player will help him transition to the NHL and increase his overall value.
Conclusion: Roger McQueen has the potential to be a top-five selection in the 2025 NHL Draft due to his combination of elite size, skating, and offensive skills. His ability to impact games both as a playmaker and a goal-scorer, coupled with his strong net-front presence, makes him a highly attractive prospect. However, for McQueen to reach his full potential at the NHL level, he will need to address areas of inconsistency, refine his skating mechanics, and develop greater discipline and a more well-rounded defensive game. If he can make these adjustments, McQueen has the potential to become a dominant NHL center with a long and successful career.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images