There are so many ways to look at the 2025 NHL draft, and the Nashville Predators find themselves in a fascinating position. They own three picks in the first round, and all have been endlessly debated. This holds especially true for the 5th overall pick.
We've talked about a what-if scenario involving Michael Misa and how good Porter Martone would look in a Predators uniform, but those players aren't typically being mocked to the Predators. This player isn't either, but he's effectively a joker lurking somewhere in the top 10 draft picks who could go anywhere after the 3rd or 4th pick.
Enter Roger McQueen
The Big If Is A Big Guy
McQueen stands at a lofty 6'5" and weighs in at 198 pounds currently. He's shown during his time in the WHL with the Brandon Wheat Kings that he is fully capable of weaving in and out of traffic despite his size, and that he'll produce offense whenever he's on the ice.
It is the on-ice part that has proven to be a problem. McQueen has suffered several injuries over his junior career, which has limited him in the 2023-24 season and the 2024-25 season. Most recently, his injury was a fracture in the L4/L5 vertebrae in his back. That's pretty serious, and it limited him to just 17 games this year. During that time, he managed 10 goals and 10 assists with 40 penalty minutes. In his previous year, he managed to get in 53 games, scoring 21 goals and dishing out 30 assists for 51 points. He also added 50 penalty minutes.
He's a good skater and can use his size and physicality in front of the net, in the corners, and when he wants to, dishing out hits. He's got some defensive holes and liabilities, but those will probably be cured with getting to play hockey consistently.
His international experience is limited, but he did show out at the U18 Hlinka Gretzky Cup for 4 goals and 3 assists across 5 games. He only played 2 games of U18 World Juniors, and was hurt for the big U20 tournament, but he's a player who will probably earn a spot on next year's team.
Worth the Risk?
Let's take a look at this McQueen highlight.
If you missed Roger McQueen’s goal last night, boy are you going to want to see this! I think we have our goal of the year! #2025nhldraft pic.twitter.com/ZAaqSpMKNn
— Brandon Wheat Kings (@bdnwheatkings) March 23, 2025
He's got tons of touch and offensive talent. In the offensive zone, there is nothing to worry about with his skill. You can also see how much bigger he looks than a lot of the other kids on the ice. If he adds to his frame he's going to be incredibly effective at the next level.
He's a short digestible 2024-25 highlight tape.
Now, does this mean the Predators should take McQueen? No, but they have to consider him. He's a high-value prospect, still ranked in the 10 everywhere after basically not playing this season. He also plays a position of need from an organizational standpoint.
If his development goes well, McQueen's potential could be somewhere around that of an Anze Kopitar or even an Eric Staal. He's worth some serious consideration from the Predators.