F Roger McQueen - Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL (2025 Draft)

[Turin]

Hockey fans deserve a good name like this to pan out

 

[tomd]

I feel like Anaheim should be the team to take the risk. They have so much young talent that they can honestly afford the downside of completely whiffing on a 10A pick.

And he just kinda fits. Another big F amongst Carlsson, Sennecke, Gauthier, McTavish. Mutant top 6 lmao.

If he medicals come back with a low probability of future recurrence then I agree. Most (if not all) of the teams picking ahead of the Ducks can ill afford the risk of taking McQueen. But as you correctly point out, the Ducks could take the swing if the risk is low enough (doesn't have to be zero).

 

[Castle8130]

Thought he was pretty mid in the game I saw of him when he came back, then looked even worse in the playoffs. Im always going to root for these guys with serious health issues to prevail, but this looks bad from an analysis standpoint. 2/10 scouts on Mckenzies panel have deemed him undraftable due to injury.

When he played in games where he was dominant, the strength, puck skill, and goal scoring ability was very impressive. I think there is a significant dip in his play from the start of the year to the end. He only scored 2 goals in the 11 games he played when he got back. I never loved his vision. He kind of just chucks the puck toward scoring areas when he is getting closed in on by defenders.

He still has a good shot of getting drafted top 10. It’s a big swing hoping he becomes a developed version of what you saw in the beginning of the year.

Personal opinion is he is a top 10 talent. I’m interested in where he goes. Heck, maybe Utah takes him at 4

 

[tomd]

Thought he was pretty mid in the game I saw of him when he came back, then looked even worse in the playoffs. Im always going to root for these guys with serious health issues to prevail, but this looks bad from an analysis standpoint. 2/10 scouts on Mckenzies panel have deemed him undraftable due to injury.

When he played in games where he was dominant, the strength, puck skill, and goal scoring ability was very impressive. I think there is a significant dip in his play from the start of the year to the end. He only scored 2 goals in the 11 games he played when he got back. I never loved his vision. He kind of just chucks the puck toward scoring areas when he is getting closed in on by defenders.

He still has a good shot of getting drafted top 10. It’s a big swing hoping he becomes a developed version of what you saw in the beginning of the year.

Personal opinion is he is a top 10 talent. I’m interested in where he goes. Heck, maybe Utah takes him at 4

Good summary. For me, the risk/reward for taking him starts somewhere around pick 9-10. I think there are at least eight players that I would take ahead of him that have just as much upside but no injury concerns (Shaefer, Misa, Frondell, Hagens, Desnoyers, Martin, O'Brien, and Martone).

 

[TheGreenTBer]

We’ve got Chat GPT bots on HF now?

There has been one or two on the Leafs board for years

 

[BKarchitect]

My ceiling for him is probably Boston at #7, with Desnoyers and Frondell already off the board.

I think Boston is currently caught a bit in no-man’s land. I think the logistics of a full rebuild are too difficult and Pasta and McAvoy are still in their primes. With a bounce back year from Swayman and decent injury luck, plus a new HC (if they bring in Tocchet, as rumored, it's not to deal with a rebuild team), I see that front office saying themselves "we are going to be better next year - at least a playoff team, so let's swing big here at #7 because we don't plan on picking this high again in the next few years."

So you take a calculated risk but the idea is, if McQueen hits, you've got that stud to bridge to your next era. Plus, Big Rog just looks like he was made to wear the Bruins jersey.

 

[Castle8130]

Good summary. For me, the risk/reward for taking him starts somewhere around pick 9-10. I think there are at least eight players that I would take ahead of him that have just as much upside but no injury concerns (Shaefer, Misa, Frondell, Hagens, Desnoyers, Martin, O'Brien, and Martone).

There is a lot of differing opinions on all these guys. Some scouts have said McQueen is one of, if not the top forward in this class (source is Cam Robinson and the athletic guys that talk with NHL scouts). I’m not a health expert and have no clue how to determine whether he will be fine longterm. Some team could get the green light after the combine to draft him in the top 5 if they view him that way.

I never saw him as a top 3-5 forward in this class regardless, so i’d agree with your assessment. When drafting this high, teams might not feel the same as we do. NHL teams clearly see the top of the draft as an opportunity to get a premium player at a premium position with premium physical qualities as seen in past drafts.

 

[tomd]

My ceiling for him is probably Boston at #7, with Desnoyers and Frondell already off the board.

I think Boston is currently caught a bit in no-man’s land. I think the logistics of a full rebuild are too difficult and Pasta and McAvoy are still in their primes. With a bounce back year from Swayman and decent injury luck, plus a new HC (if they bring in Tocchet, as rumored, it's not to deal with a rebuild team), I see that front office saying themselves "we are going to be better next year - at least a playoff team, so let's swing big here at #7 because we don't plan on picking this high again in the next few years."

So you take a calculated risk but the idea is, if McQueen hits, you've got that stud to bridge to your next era. Plus, Big Rog just looks like he was made to wear the Bruins jersey.

Do you think Boston would make a high risk pick two years in a row? I really like Martin as their pick if he is available. Seems like the perfect Bruins player.

 

[tomd]

There is a lot of differing opinions on all these guys. Some scouts have said McQueen is one of, if not the top forward in this class (source is Cam Robinson and the athletic guys that talk with NHL scouts). I’m not a health expert and have no clue how to determine whether he will be fine longterm. Some team could get the green light after the combine to draft him in the top 5 if they view him that way.

I never saw him as a top 3-5 forward in this class regardless, so i’d agree with your assessment. When drafting this high, teams might not feel the same as we do. NHL teams clearly see the top of the draft as an opportunity to get a premium player at a premium position with premium physical qualities as seen in past drafts.

Yeah, McQueen is an enigma. Elite tools without the production. He's all potential right now which may give teams that can't afford a miss in the top 10 enough pause to pass on him. Teams that already have a pretty full stable of prospects can afford to take that chance. Buffalo and Anaheim strike me as the only teams in the top 10 that fit that description. My $0.02.

 

[jfhabs]

My ceiling for him is probably Boston at #7, with Desnoyers and Frondell already off the board.

I think Boston is currently caught a bit in no-man’s land. I think the logistics of a full rebuild are too difficult and Pasta and McAvoy are still in their primes. With a bounce back year from Swayman and decent injury luck, plus a new HC (if they bring in Tocchet, as rumored, it's not to deal with a rebuild team), I see that front office saying themselves "we are going to be better next year - at least a playoff team, so let's swing big here at #7 because we don't plan on picking this high again in the next few years."

So you take a calculated risk but the idea is, if McQueen hits, you've got that stud to bridge to your next era. Plus, Big Rog just looks like he was made to wear the Bruins jersey.

Having McAvoy healthy all year and Swayman start the year will surely help. But can't see them realistically thinking they are a playoffs team.

 

[BKarchitect]

Do you think Boston would make a high risk pick two years in a row? I really like Martin as their pick if he is available. Seems like the perfect Bruins player.

Yeah, I thought about that. Two big "projects" two years in a row. Martin more of a sure thing even if a lower upside and yeah, he'd fit the persona you think of with Boston.

I just think that perhaps the Bruins front office is going to think this year was an anomaly - and despite a few moves to gather some additional ammo (Carlo, Coyle, etc) - I think they lack that true big upside marque prospect in their system. Letourneau shouldn't scare them off McQueen IMO - you are talking about two completely different level of prospects. The thought would be in 2026, if we are picking #15-20 or so, it will be more likely that we can grab a Martin-esque prospect than a McQueen-esque prospect. We are going to take advantage of our one big "off" year and take advantage of this big talent falling and go for a home run that otherwise wouldn't be possible.

I'm just spit-balling, no idea if they'd do it. Not sure I would do it. But I could see a team like that with that kind of thought process.

 

[Jared Grayden]

There is a lot of differing opinions on all these guys. Some scouts have said McQueen is one of, if not the top forward in this class (source is Cam Robinson and the athletic guys that talk with NHL scouts). I’m not a health expert and have no clue how to determine whether he will be fine longterm. Some team could get the green light after the combine to draft him in the top 5 if they view him that way.

I never saw him as a top 3-5 forward in this class regardless, so i’d agree with your assessment. When drafting this high, teams might not feel the same as we do. NHL teams clearly see the top of the draft as an opportunity to get a premium player at a premium position with premium physical qualities as seen in past drafts.

Robinson also admitted this week that he knows of at least one team drafting in the 10-19 range that will not consider drafting McQueen at all due to his health. I still find it very hard to believe in the context of Lindstrom, teams will have a high risk threshold for him.

 

[bringbacktheskate604]

My ceiling for him is probably Boston at #7, with Desnoyers and Frondell already off the board.

I think Boston is currently caught a bit in no-man’s land. I think the logistics of a full rebuild are too difficult and Pasta and McAvoy are still in their primes. With a bounce back year from Swayman and decent injury luck, plus a new HC (if they bring in Tocchet, as rumored, it's not to deal with a rebuild team), I see that front office saying themselves "we are going to be better next year - at least a playoff team, so let's swing big here at #7 because we don't plan on picking this high again in the next few years."

So you take a calculated risk but the idea is, if McQueen hits, you've got that stud to bridge to your next era. Plus, Big Rog just looks like he was made to wear the Bruins jersey.

Ya that makes sense, kids got all the tools to be a star.

Tochett imo kills skill but if the bruins want to make the playoffs with a not so good roster, Tochs the coach that maybe gets it done.
Not sure Pasta will be a big fan tho.

 

[Gregor Samsa]

So do we find out his medicals at the combine? I’d imagine teams would want to consult another doctor if that’s allowed? If he gets a clean bill of health he throws a curveball into the top 5/10 of the draft

 

[tomd]

Small sample size but just an observation about McQueen's scoring this past year...he scored 6-3-9 in 3 games against Moose Jaw (the worst team in the WHL) and 4-7-11 in 14 games against everyone else. High ceiling/low floor guy.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

Small sample size but just an observation about McQueen's scoring this past year...he scored 6-3-9 in 3 games against Moose Jaw (the worst team in the WHL) and 4-7-11 in 14 games against everyone else. High ceiling/low floor guy.

You think he's closer to Michael Dal Colle instead of Lawson Crouse, in terms of not having a floor but a solidly high ceiling if he makes it work?

I personally think he'll be an NHLer of some sort, but there will be several guys drafted after him who end up being much much better NHLers.

 

[tomd]

You think he's closer to Michael Dal Colle instead of Lawson Crouse, in terms of not having a floor but a solidly high ceiling if he makes it work?

I personally think he'll be an NHLer of some sort, but there will be several guys drafted after him who end up being much much better NHLers.

I'm not smart enough to predict what he'll be in the NHL but I'm trying to think like an NHL scouting director about him. I see fans and scouting services mocking him in the top 7 and I just wonder if any team will have the conviction to make that call for real.

I was just observing that his production has never matched his skillset and when you consider that most of his production this past year was 3 games against the worst team in the league it makes you wonder.

I would take him pretty high but only after Misa, Hagens, Frondell, Desnoyers, O'Brien, Martin, and Martone were off the table. He'd be in the Eklund, Bear, and maybe Lakovic tier for me. So as far as position that would put him as high as maybe 9 and as low as 15. Other than Schaefer I wouldn't take any of the other D in the top 10.

 

[Hockeyville USA]

I'm not smart enough to predict what he'll be in the NHL but I'm trying to think like an NHL scouting director about him. I see fans and scouting services mocking him in the top 7 and I just wonder if any team will have the conviction that make that call for real.

I was just observing that his production has never matched his skillset and when you consider that most of his production this past year was 3 games against the worst team in the league it makes you wonder.

I would take him pretty high but only after Misa, Hagens, Frondell, Desnoyers, O'Brien, Martin, and Martone were off the table. He'd be in the Eklund, Bear, and maybe Lakovic tier for me. So as far as position that would put him as high as maybe 9 and as low as 15. Other than Schaefer I wouldn't take any of the other D in the top 10.

If McQueen is healthy and on the right team, I could see him having fairly high end outcomes in the NHL. But I could see other guys who will very likely be taken after him becoming much better NHLers. I'm higher on Reschny than I am on McQueen at current moment

 

[lanky]

I see fans and scouting services mocking him in the top 7 and I just wonder if any team will have the conviction that make that call for real.

Bill Armstrong has shown that he'll reach for the right guy. Often, the right guy for him is a smooth skating behemoth.

I could see this taking place if Bill is satisfied with McQueen's health.

 

[tomd]

Bill Armstrong has shown that he'll reach for the right guy. Often, the right guy for him is a smooth skating behemoth.

I could see this taking place if Bill is satisfied with McQueen's health.

That would be a gutsy call for sure but anything is possible with this draft.

 

[Gregor Samsa]

As far as if a player drafted after him will have a better career, I think you always take the field in that situation. Even with Schaefer and Misa I’d take the field. It’s one career versus 200 careers.

I read a post today that is promising for McQueen’s health and if that’s true he probably becomes an option for every team in the 4-10 range. Someone will take the chance. He has a lot of skill and probably hasn’t adjusted to his body yet. It’s not like he’s a brute just bullying 5’10” 150lb 16 year olds

 

[Hockeyville USA]

As far as if a player drafted after him will have a better career, I think you always take the field in that situation. Even with Schaefer and Misa I’d take the field. It’s one career versus 200 careers.

I read a post today that is promising for McQueen’s health and if that’s true he probably becomes an option for every team in the 4-10 range. Someone will take the chance. He has a lot of skill and probably hasn’t adjusted to his body yet. It’s not like he’s a brute just bullying 5’10” 150lb 16 year olds

I'm saying I could very easily see Dub guys like Smith, Reschny, Kindel, Cootes all have better careers than McQueen

 

[rocketdan9]

My ceiling for him is probably Boston at #7, with Desnoyers and Frondell already off the board.

I think Boston is currently caught a bit in no-man’s land. I think the logistics of a full rebuild are too difficult and Pasta and McAvoy are still in their primes. With a bounce back year from Swayman and decent injury luck, plus a new HC (if they bring in Tocchet, as rumored, it's not to deal with a rebuild team), I see that front office saying themselves "we are going to be better next year - at least a playoff team, so let's swing big here at #7 because we don't plan on picking this high again in the next few years."

So you take a calculated risk but the idea is, if McQueen hits, you've got that stud to bridge to your next era. Plus, Big Rog just looks like he was made to wear the Bruins jersey.

I would be shocked if the Bruins took him at 7.

Sweeney got a 2 year extension but his job is still on the line. Choosing McQueen at 7 is just too risky imo.

One of O'Brien or Martin should be available at 7.

 

[BKarchitect]

I would be shocked if the Bruins took him at 7.

Sweeney got a 2 year extension but his job is still on the line. Choosing McQueen at 7 is just too risky imo.

One of O'Brien or Martin should be available at 7.

Fair but if it’s two year job security that you are after, it’s not as if Martin or O’Brien is going to be any more ready to make an actual difference on NHL ice in 1-2 years. I mean maybe you can squint and hope for the best that they can beat the odds and get some NHL action as a depth guy before they are “due” like Poitras…but I think it is short-sighted to consider any potential prospect at #7 anything but having inherent risk. And that being the case, personally, I’d advocate for them to go with a big swing. Just my $0.02. Ain’t my job on the line though

For the record I definitely buy the Brady Martin has Bruins DNA appeal…not predicting the B’s would actually choose McQueen over Martin or O’Brien IRL.

 

[theVladiator]

As far as if a player drafted after him will have a better career, I think you always take the field in that situation. Even with Schaefer and Misa I’d take the field. It’s one career versus 200 careers.

I read a post today that is promising for McQueen’s health and if that’s true he probably becomes an option for every team in the 4-10 range. Someone will take the chance. He has a lot of skill and probably hasn’t adjusted to his body yet. It’s not like he’s a brute just bullying 5’10” 150lb 16 year olds

For sure, but I think in this situation people often mean that 2-3 people taken immediately after turn out better.