Ducks Sign Phenom Roger McQueen to Entry-Level Contract

Rookie forward could join team for NHL playoff run

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:46pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in mid-stride, with their body broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and red, conveying the dynamic energy and uncertainty of a young prospect joining a playoff-bound team.The Ducks' signing of top prospect Roger McQueen injects an element of uncertainty and potential into their playoff push.Anaheim Today

The Anaheim Ducks have signed 18-year-old prospect Roger McQueen to a three-year entry-level contract, the team announced on Saturday. The move comes as the Ducks prepare to face the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL playoffs, raising questions about whether McQueen could join the team's postseason roster.

Why it matters

McQueen is considered one of the top young talents in hockey, and his addition to the Ducks' lineup could provide a significant boost as they try to make a deep playoff run. However, there are questions about whether the rookie forward is ready to contribute at the NHL level.

The details

The Ducks signed McQueen, an 18-year-old forward, to a three-year entry-level contract on Saturday. McQueen was the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in hockey. The timing of the signing raises questions about whether he could join the Ducks' roster for the playoffs, though it's unclear if he is NHL-ready at this stage of his development.

  • The Ducks announced the signing of McQueen on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • The Ducks are set to face the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the NHL playoffs.

The players

Roger McQueen

An 18-year-old forward who was the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and is considered one of the top prospects in hockey.

Anaheim Ducks

The NHL team that has signed McQueen to a three-year entry-level contract as they prepare for the playoffs.

Edmonton Oilers

The Ducks' first-round playoff opponent.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to have Roger join our organization and see what he can bring to the table as we make a push for the Stanley Cup.”

— Bob Murray, General Manager, Anaheim Ducks

What’s next

It remains to be seen whether McQueen will be able to join the Ducks' roster for the playoffs, as the team will need to evaluate his readiness and determine if he can contribute at the NHL level.

The takeaway

The Ducks' signing of top prospect Roger McQueen to an entry-level contract adds an intriguing wrinkle to their playoff push, but it's unclear if the rookie forward is ready to make an immediate impact at hockey's highest level.