Ducks Sign Top Draft Pick Roger McQueen to 3-Year Deal

The 19-year-old center joins the Anaheim Ducks organization after a strong start with the AHL's San Diego Gulls.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:22pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a hockey player in motion, with their body and movements broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and crimson red.The Ducks' signing of top draft pick Roger McQueen signals their commitment to building a young, dynamic roster through the draft.Los Angeles Today

The Anaheim Ducks have signed 19-year-old center Roger McQueen, their 10th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, to a 3-year entry-level contract. McQueen had a successful transition from the Canadian junior system to the NCAA, putting up 27 points in 36 games as a freshman for Providence before joining the Ducks' AHL affiliate San Diego Gulls, where he recorded 3 points in 6 games to close out the season.

Why it matters

The Ducks are looking to build around their young core, and the addition of McQueen, a highly-touted prospect with size, skill and a physical edge, is an important step in that process. His signing comes at a time when the team is looking to replace some of their veteran offensive leaders.

The details

McQueen was projected to be selected higher in the 2026 draft, but a misdiagnosed back injury during his draft year caused some teams to pass on him, allowing the Ducks to select him 10th overall. This season, he has been healthy and productive, transitioning smoothly from the NCAA to the AHL. The Ducks see him as a key part of their future plans up the middle.

  • McQueen was the Ducks' 10th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
  • He put up 27 points in 36 games as a freshman for Providence this season.
  • McQueen recorded 3 points in 6 games for the AHL's San Diego Gulls to close out the 2025-26 season.

The players

Roger McQueen

A 19-year-old center who was the Ducks' 10th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He had a strong freshman season at Providence before joining the Ducks' AHL affiliate.

Pat Verbeek

The general manager of the Anaheim Ducks, who selected McQueen with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 draft.

Leo Carlsson

A top center prospect in the Ducks' system who will compete with McQueen for playing time down the middle.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to have Roger join our organization. He's a big, skilled center with a lot of potential, and we believe he can be an important part of our future.”

— Pat Verbeek, General Manager, Anaheim Ducks

What’s next

McQueen will look to make the Ducks' opening night roster out of training camp next season and establish himself as a regular in the NHL.

The takeaway

The Ducks' signing of McQueen is an important step in their efforts to build a young, talented core that can compete for championships in the years to come. His combination of size, skill and physicality make him an intriguing prospect with a high ceiling.