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    Ducks ink Roger McQueen to 3-year, entry-level contract
    • April 19, 2026

    As their present got more pleasant, gearing up for their first playoff series in eight years, the Ducks further solidified a major piece of their future by signing center Roger McQueen to a three-year, entry-level contract.

    McQueen, 19, transitioned from the Canadian junior system to the NCAA at the start of the season and finished his campaign in the American Hockey League. He now officially turns pro after being selected 10th overall in June.

    He put up 27 points in 36 games as a freshman for the Providence Friars and three points in six games for the San Diego Gulls ahead of Saturday night’s regular-season finale.

    McQueen had been projected to go higher in the top 10 given his formidable 6-foot-5 frame, developed skill, noticeable mobility and slight mean streak. A misdiagnosed back injury that lingered and later required surgery during his draft year spooked enough general managers to allow Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek to scoop him up at No. 10.

    This season, McQueen has been free of serious injuries and complications, not missing a single match.

    After former team-leading scorer Trevor Zegras was dealt to Philadelphia over the summer and the newly inked $42 million contract of Mason McTavish aged somewhat questionably in Year 1 of six, McQueen’s importance has been magnified organizationally.

    The Ducks have Leo Carlsson leading the charge up the middle as well as solid depth options like trade acquisition Ryan Poehling and NCAA free-agent signing Tim Washe. But the No. 2 pivot position might be up for grabs after another season in which McTavish was moved both down in the lineup and over to the flank at times. For now, veteran Mikael Granlund might hold down the fort until McQueen is ready to take over the role.

    McQueen had a splashy introduction to the franchise, when after he walked across the stage in downtown Los Angeles this past summer, he was scurried into a chopper and transported to Disneyland. There, he played on his shared surname with the “Cars” character Lightning McQueen, even emblazoning No. 95 on his jersey to match the number of the car.

    ​ Orange County Register 

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