ROGER McQUEEN

2024-10-22

Scout: Joshua Rosa

Skating:

For a big man (6’5” already!), Roger McQueen is a pretty good skater. He doesn’t move his feet quite enough for my liking and is clearly a step behind some of his smaller teammates/opponents, but his skating is not a large liability.

Passing/Handling:

A player with his combination of size and puck skills doesn’t come around very often. McQueen’s biggest highlights involve him stickhandling around defenders and making cross-ice passes. He has surprisingly soft hands in tight places for a big man, and has the vision to execute some flashy splashes.

Shooting:

In the offensive zone, his shot is probably his biggest liability. He doesn’t use it very often, but tends to use it in high-probability chances, and can get his shot off in close, tight areas.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

McQueen has good poise with the puck on his stick, and generally has enough vision and skill to make sure that the puck leaves his stick in a good place.

Forechecking:

McQueen is a tall guy, and he doesn’t feel like a lanky 6’5”, he can be punishingly physical on smaller players. He can step up and put a lot of pressure on the breakout.

Defense:

On the backcheck, McQueen can frequently be behind the play due to his lack of elite footspeed, and can sometimes not be moving his feet as much as he could be. In the defensive zone he uses his body as his main asset to try to contribute defensively.

Best Asset:

He is a very fun stickhandler and passer, and that combined with his size makes him a very special prospect.

Biggest Concern:

McQueen isn’t a fantastic shooter and skater. He could struggle to score goals and keep up with the pace of the NHL.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Tier 1

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

If he can bring his skating up to speed, and develops his shot, he can be a nightmare to cover defensively and be a true top line power forward.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Tier 2

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

McQueen likely won’t ever be a defensive forward, he has enough puck skills and smarts to be a capable and productive forward.

Stylistic Comparable:

There have been a couple prospects in the last couple of seasons that fit this mold. McQueen is Quentin Musty with better skating. Colby Barlow with better hands. A slower Josh Anderson with better puck skills.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

McQueen is the type of prospect that NHL teams dream about, and the hype looks real on him. He has a lot of skills and the size to back it up

Games Scouted:

Brandon Wheat Kings 5 2 Moose Jaw Warriors, Brandon Wheat Kings 4 1 Prince Albert Raiders, Brandon Wheat Kings 1 4 Everett Silvertips