Like so many other young Canadians, Roger McQueen grew up dreaming of playing in the NHL. The next step on the road to achieving that dream became clear tonight at the NHL draft in Los Angeles.
McQueen was selected 10th overall by the Anaheim Ducks on the evening of June 27, the first night of the NHL draft. McQueen became the second player from the WHL selected, and the first Wheat King.
Beginning the season as a top-ten pick on most scouts lists, McQueen rocketed out of the gate with a four-goal game on opening night but had to overcome a severe injury that wiped out all but 17 games of his season. He finished with 10 goals and 20 points in those 17 games.
At the NHL combine, McQueen was able to quiet any doubts about his injury. He not only showed up with a clean bill of health but was a full participant in every aspect of the combine’s fitness testing.
In addition to his success with the Wheat Kings, McQueen has become a fixture on the international stage. He has already represented Canada three times, winning gold medals at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2024 World Under-18 championships.
McQueen became the 24th Wheat King in team history to be selected in the first round of the NHL draft. The most recent previous Wheat King to go in the first round was Nate Danielson, selected ninth overall in 2023 by the Detroit Red Wings.
