The Montreal Canadiens announced on Saturday that they had agreed to a three-year entry-level contract with 20-year-old prospect Vinzenz Rohrer. A third-round pick at the 2022 draft, the Austrian prospect spent the last two seasons with the Zurich Lions of the Swiss-A league, with whom he won two championships.
In 52 games this season, he put up 25 points skating on the third line and the penalty kill. He also led his team in blocked shots with 42 and got some power-play time when the regulars were injured. He added seven points in 16 playoff games as the Lions marched on to the Championship.
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The youngster also played for his national team at the latest World Championship, where he scored six points in eight games and was even named Man of the Match in his side’s victory over France. This win helped the country qualify for the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Rohrer’s deal will run from 2025-26 to 2027-28 and, unlike many European prospects, he should have no trouble getting used to the North American game since he played with the Ottawa 67’s for two seasons in the OHL, picking up 97 points in 118 games.
Former coach Marc Crawford once compared Rohrer to former Montreal Canadiens’ captain Mike Keane for his intelligence and tenacity, even though he cannot fight like the former Hab could.
Rohrer will be yet another player to watch for when rookie camp starts in September and will try to battle for a roster spot alongside the likes of Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen.
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
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