The Montreal Canadiens have further bolstered their prospect pool by signing forward Vinzenz Rohrer to a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal, announced on Saturday, will run from the 2025-26 season through 2027-28. This move signifies Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes' continued commitment to building a strong foundation for the future, adding another intriguing piece to an already promising group of young players.
Rohrer, a 20-year-old Austrian winger, was drafted by the Canadiens in the third round (75th overall) of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. His journey to this contract has been marked by consistent development and impressive performances both in North America and Europe. Before turning pro, Rohrer spent two seasons with the Ottawa 67's in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), amassing 97 points (44 goals, 53 assists) in 118 games. His seamless transition to the North American game showcased his adaptability and skill set.
In recent years, Rohrer elected to continue his development in Europe, joining the Zurich Lions of the Swiss National League (NL). During his time there, he played a key role on the team, contributing to their success and capturing back-to-back National League championships. In his second season with Zurich, Rohrer tallied 25 points (15 goals, 10 assists) in 52 regular-season games. He further contributed with seven points (1 goal, 6 assists) in 16 playoff games, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Beyond his club success, Rohrer has also proudly represented Austria on the international stage. At the 2025 IIHF World Championship, he recorded six points (4 goals, 2 assists) in eight games. His efforts were instrumental in helping Austria reach the quarterfinals, a testament to his growing impact and leadership qualities. He was even named Man of the Match in his side's victory over France.
Rohrer's signing is particularly noteworthy considering the Canadiens have recently seen several of their top prospects, such as Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov, and Jacob Fowler, graduate to the NHL. While the organization is focused on securing top-end talent, they are also aware of the importance of building organizational depth. As depth becomes a crucial aspect of every lineup, prospects such as Vinzenz Rohrer come into play.
While Rohrer may not be the flashiest or highest-profile prospect, his strengths lie in his consistent work ethic, two-way play, and versatility. He is known for his relentless motor, responsible defensive game, and ability to contribute offensively. While undersized at 5'10", he plays with tenacity and is not afraid to battle for pucks, traits that are highly valued by coaches and teammates. Some prospect experts have drawn comparisons between Rohrer and Brendan Gallagher, praising his intelligence and tenacity. Others see some similarities with Artturi Lehkonen, especially regarding his defensive abilities. He's been utilized on the penalty kill and in shutdown roles, demonstrating his reliability in all areas of the ice.
Looking ahead, Rohrer's development path remains open. He will attend the Canadiens' development camp in July, offering the team an opportunity to assess his progress and integration with other prospects. While he may begin the upcoming season in Zurich, a strong showing at development camp could earn him an invitation to Montreal's main training camp, bringing him closer to his NHL dream. The Zurich Lions have noted that Rohrer will report back to them if he is sent down to the AHL. This means that the contract has a European Assignment Clause for the upcoming season.
With the Canadiens continuing to build a strong prospect pool, the addition of Vinzenz Rohrer represents another step in the right direction. His blend of skill, work ethic, and international experience makes him an intriguing player to watch as he continues his development within the Canadiens' system.
