Ducks draft Roger McQueen 10th overall

The Anaheim Ducks drafted center Roger McQueen with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday.

McQueen was limited to 17 games this season for the Brandon Wheat Kings due to a back injury that caused concern leading into the draft. He has plenty of upside if he can remain healthy for the next stages of his career.

The Saskatchewan native is an enticing prospect based on his size and skill but is widely considered to be a step behind the other top centers in this class. It may be a few seasons before McQueen gets his shot to break into the NHL.

What they're saying

"I wouldn't call McQueen a truly high-end playmaker, but he sees the ice well, makes difficult plays and can create in the high percentage areas," wrote The Athletic's Corey Pronman. "McQueen is big, but what scouts will love is that he uses his big frame. He has an edge in his play, and even after a near season-long injury, he returned and played with bite."

The Athletic's Scott Wheeler wrote, "He uses his linemates well. But it's his ability to control and manipulate pucks in tight to his body, with his length, that I think distinguishes him and gets scouts excited. He can carry pucks into traffic and problem-solve in ways that players his size typically struggle to do. He can also go to the net and make tuck plays/rebounds with good dexterity, which has helped him play the net front successfully on the power play, a translatable role for him."