Every NHL Draft class features a few prospects who stand out not just for what they are now, but for what they might become. In 2025, Roger McQueen fits that mold perfectly. At 6’5″ with rare skating ability and soft hands, he’s been described as a “unicorn” by scouts, an unusual combination of size, skill, and mobility at the center position.
But for all his upside, there’s still one lingering question that makes teams pause: his back injury. As draft day approaches, front offices must weigh his elite potential against the risks.
Roger McQueen’s Unique Skill Set Has Scouts Intrigued, But Injury History Still Casts a Shadow
Roger McQueen has the frame and flair of a future NHL star. A 6’5″, right-shot center who moves with the speed and agility of someone much smaller, McQueen has been a topic of intense discussion throughout the 2024–25 scouting season.
His rare blend of physical power, smart defensive instincts, and emerging offensive talent makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s class.
NHL analyst Rachel Doerrie has been quick to label McQueen a “unicorn”, a player whose attributes don’t typically appear together in one package. In today’s NHL, right-handed, top-line centers are in short supply, and even fewer possess McQueen’s size and ability to control the pace of play.
“It was a tough year to have all that happen but I learned a lot.”#NHLDraft prospect Roger McQueen speaks on overcoming adversity and taking part in the NHL Combine! pic.twitter.com/rRlfvNWS4b
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) June 3, 2025
He excels in the cycle, protecting the puck and creating offense with his reach and balance. He’s also shown he can attack off the rush, which adds another layer to his offensive upside.
What’s just as impressive is his defensive game. McQueen plays with professional habits in his own end, positionally aware, active with his stick, and unafraid to engage physically. These habits will translate well to the NHL, particularly as he faces stiffer competition and is challenged to elevate his physical game further.
However, there’s no avoiding the big asterisk next to his name: a back injury that cost him valuable development time during his draft season. The injury disrupted his rhythm and left scouts with a limited sample size to evaluate. Without it, many believe McQueen might have been discussed as a potential top-5 pick.
That said, his performance at the scouting combine helped calm some of the concerns. He showed no lingering effects from the injury, moving well and handling physical drills without issue.
While the medical green light is encouraging, teams are still aware that back issues can be delicate and unpredictable. His long-term durability remains a topic of internal discussion among NHL executives.
In many ways, McQueen represents the ultimate high-risk, high-reward pick. If his development stays on track and his back holds up, he has the tools to become a dominant two-way center at the NHL level. The size, skating, skill, and defensive foundation are all there; he just needs consistent playing time to unlock his full potential.
For teams picking outside the very top of the draft, McQueen offers the kind of upside that’s hard to ignore. His physical profile is a dream for coaches and general managers alike. The only question left is which team will be willing to bet on his future, and how high they’ll be willing to go to get him.
