Roger McQueen, a right-handed center currently playing for the Brandon Wheat Kings in the Western Hockey League (WHL), has emerged as a potential target for the Vancouver Canucks in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Standing tall at 6'5" and weighing around 192 lbs, McQueen possesses a rare combination of size, skill, and offensive prowess that makes him an intriguing prospect for NHL teams.

Scouting Report

McQueen is lauded for his exceptional offensive abilities. Scouts describe him as a highly skilled player with a deep arsenal of tricks, combining pace with mechanical refinement. His game is characterized by constant motion, as he expertly catches pucks inside crossovers, drives to the middle of the ice, and confidently takes on defenders one-on-one. He demonstrates excellent offensive zone awareness, often controlling the play from the half-wall before slipping towards the net for scoring opportunities. Moreover, McQueen is a gifted passer, capable of delivering accurate hook, slip, and backhand passes through layers of defense, all while maintaining speed and looking off his intended target.

Strengths

• Size and Strength: McQueen's towering frame provides him with a significant physical advantage, allowing him to shield the puck effectively and win battles along the boards and in front of the net.
• Skating: For a player of his size, McQueen is a surprisingly smooth and agile skater. He exhibits good four-way mobility and can maneuver quickly, though some scouts note that his initial explosiveness could use some improvement.
• Puck Control and Stickhandling: McQueen possesses exceptional puck control and stickhandling skills, allowing him to navigate through traffic with ease and beat defenders in one-on-one situations.
• Hockey IQ and Vision: McQueen demonstrates a high level of hockey sense and vision, enabling him to anticipate plays, create scoring chances for himself and his teammates, and make smart decisions with the puck.
• Shooting: He has a strong and accurate shot, making him a threat to score from various locations on the ice.
• Net-Front Presence: McQueen excels at positioning himself in front of the net, anticipating rebounds and tips to create high-danger scoring opportunities.
• Physicality: McQueen isn't afraid to use his size to his advantage, displaying a willingness to engage physically and throw his weight around.

Areas for Improvement

• Injury History: McQueen's draft year was cut short due to a back injury, limiting him to just 17 regular-season games. His injury history raises concerns about his long-term durability.
• Consistency: There are questions about whether he can consistently put all of his tools together and perform at a high level.
• Skating Mechanics: While McQueen is a good skater for his size, some scouts suggest that improving his skating mechanics could further enhance his game.
• Discipline: He needs to refine his ability to play with physicality without taking unnecessary penalties.

Potential Fit with the Canucks

The Canucks could benefit significantly from adding a player with McQueen's unique skill set to their prospect pool. His combination of size, skill, and offensive ability could make him a valuable asset in Vancouver's future. However, the Canucks would need to carefully assess his medical reports and injury history before making a final decision.

Draft Projection

Heading into the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, McQueen is projected to be a top-20 pick, with some scouts even suggesting he could be a top-10 selection if he can overcome his injury concerns. His potential to become a top-line center in the NHL makes him an enticing prospect for teams seeking size and skill down the middle. Some scouts have drawn comparisons between McQueen and Ryan Getzlaf, a former NHL star known for his size, skill, and playmaking ability.