Nolan Roed (C, L, 5’11”, 186, Tri City Storm, 10/25/2005, St. Cloud)
Nolan Roed led Tri-City in scoring during the 2024–25 season with 60 points (27 goals, 33 assists) in 61 games, a significant gap over his next closest teammate (55 points). He averaged 21:34 of ice time per game with heavy offensive usage (3:32 PP, 9:58 PIA). Roed is a dynamic, offensively gifted forward with straight-line speed, soft hands, and deceptive vision. His ability to create offense both off the rush and in-zone makes him a key play driver, but his physical game and wall play remain underdeveloped.
Why Roed Should Be Drafted
Consistent Offensive Driver
Roed was the offensive catalyst for Tri-City all season, leading the team in points and generating 3.1 scoring chances per game. He’s a multi-dimensional threat — able to create his own shot (5.1 attempts/game) and finish in-tight (11% SC%) while also executing with touch and poise on the power play. His 1.11 pre-shot passes per game highlight his ability to read seams and create high-danger setups.
High Hockey IQ and Vision
Roed processes the game quickly and consistently finds passing options under pressure. He has a calm demeanor in possession, rarely rushing plays. Whether off the rush or from the half-wall, Roed shows advanced deception and change of pace to delay defenders and open lanes — elements that allow him to function as a primary puck distributor and secondary finisher.
Top Gear and Transition Threat
Roed’s straight-line speed stands out in transition. He builds pace rapidly from a dead stop and consistently pushes defenders back with his skating posture and ability to create separation. In the neutral zone, he’s a constant threat to lead breakouts or stretch defenders for controlled entries.
Off-Puck Awareness and Rebound Hunting
He understands timing around the net and has scored multiple goals by anticipating rebounds and arriving at the crease at the right time. His subtle off-puck reads make him a dual-threat who can either drive the play or support it with smart positioning.
Why Roed May Not Be Drafted
Struggles With Physical Engagement
As an ’05 Roed won 49% of his puck battles and draws only 0.16 penalties per game, both of which point to a lack of edge or physical commitment. He often gets bumped off pucks in contested areas and doesn’t yet play with the physical assertiveness expected from an NHL center.
Middle-of-the-Pack Defensively
Despite playing significant minutes, Roed finished with a -1 on a team with a range from +12 to -14. His defensive zone metrics (8:58 PID per game) show involvement, but he blocks just 0.18 shots per game and does not impose himself physically. He’ll need to elevate his detail level and compete in his own zone to earn trust at the next level.
Second-Year Eligibility and Plateau Concerns
As a late-2005 birthdate in his second year of eligibility, some organizations may feel his ceiling is closer to his current production level than projected upside.
Limited Special Teams Projection at Pro Level
Though heavily used on the PP in junior, Roed’s lack of elite shot threat (3.3 SOG/game) and his average puck battle win rate raise questions about how he will contribute on special teams in pro hockey. He’s not yet a lock for net-front or penalty-kill deployment.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Middle-six offensive center at the NCAA level with long-term upside as an AHL scoring-line pivot. Potential NHL contributor if physical game and wall play improve.
Development Track: Full four-year NCAA career at St. Cloud State focusing on strength development, inside play, and 200-foot detail. After finishing his college career he has an AHL start with upside to push for NHL minutes .
Draft Range: 7th Round
Verdict: Roed’s playmaking IQ, transition speed, and consistent offensive production in the USHL make him a viable late-round target. He has the tools to be a point-producing pivot at the NCAA level and a potential bottom-six NHL option if his physicality and defensive zone engagement improve. He’s not flashy, but there’s an efficient, cerebral quality to his game that teams can develop. If he remains undrafted, he should be tracked closely as a college free agent in the future.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images