McQueen has made a "Lightning" quick transition to the pro game following a successful college season

It’s been less than a year since Roger McQueen was drafted 10th overall by the Ducks, being their first pick of the 2025 draft.The pick was quickly followed by the team flying him to Anaheim to make a Disneyland detour. The team had fully leaned into referencing the Disney-Pixar film, Cars. McQueen also bought in, committing to wearing the number 95, an homage to Lightning McQueen from the aforementioned film, when he plays his NHL rookie season at a future time.

Hot start in the AHL, coming out of NCAA

That rookie season may not be too far off now, as McQueen was just signed to an Amateur Tryout contract with the San Diego Gulls on April 1st. He has already played in his first three professional games, earning a point in each, helping the Gulls to a 2-1 record in that stretch. His first point was an assist on a goal by Matthew Phillips in a 6-3 win over the Bakersfield Condors. He has gone on to assist another Phillips goal (5-2 win over San Jose), and he most recently scored his first pro goal on a wicked wrister, beating Calvin Pickard of the Condors in a 5-3 loss.

A couple of years ago, McQueen was the third-highest scorer on the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League during the 2023-24 campaign with 51 points in 53 games. The following season, abbreviated by an injury, was impressive nonetheless, as he had 10 goals and 10 assists in only 17 games in his draft year. McQueen followed that up with a very good freshman season with Providence College, as he scored 27 points in 36 games (third best on his team). He was named the Hockey East Conference Rookie of the Year and helped get the Friars to the NCAA Frozen Four tournament before they fell in the opening round to Quinnipiac.

With all of this being said, McQueen seems to be a promising prospect for the Ducks and is surely going to be a contributor for the Gulls as they are in the playoff hunt. With a strong finish to the season and a brilliant showing in the playoffs, the 19-year-old can make a legitimate bid for a spot on the Ducks roster for next season.

Final thoughts

McQueen already has the height at 6 feet 6 inches, but will need to bulk up in the offseason. He clearly has the skills and the vision to be a great NHL player for many years. The Ducks development staff need to make sure they give him the best opportunities and guidance to hone those skills to play the game effectively at its highest level.