The Tampa Bay Lightning have added another prospect to the pipeline, signing 2021 draft pick Roman Schmidt to a three-year entry-level contract, according to his agent Dan Milstein. Schmidt currently plays for the Kitchener Rangers for the OHL, where he will presumably spend the rest of the season.
Still just 18, the third-round pick was not named to the U.S. World Junior selection camp roster, despite his strong play this season for Kitchener. Born in Michigan, Schmidt also has Canadian citizenship from his time living in the Ottawa and Toronto areas, but has represented the U.S. internationally in the past.
A product of the U.S. National Team Development Program, Schmidt is a hulking, 6’6″ defender that routinely overpowers attackers with his size and strength. While that becomes more difficult for some players as they transition out of junior hockey, Schmidt has the potential of a true shutdown player who can use his reach effectively on the penalty kill. He’s also shown some offensive upside this season, posting six goals and 11 points in 22 games with Kitchener, though it’s hard to expect that will be his calling card at the professional level.
Still, it’s another interesting name to keep an eye on as he eventually moves into Tampa Bay’s development program. The team is known for taking players with standout skills or attributes and allowing them to hone that enough to be effective at the next level, and Schmidt’s build could thrive in the right environment. His entry-level deal will slide for this year as he plays in junior, meaning it won’t expire until 2025 at the earliest.
Be nice if Schmidt is able to turn into a Cernak type player.
That’s exactly what I picture him turning into. Very end of the third round, thats the type of draft pick I’m so jealous of. Once the obvious top end talent if off there board I’d just be drafting size and speed combos and hope they put it together.