The Rangers have agreed to terms on an entry-level contract with forward prospect Dylan Roobroeck, per a team announcement Monday. It’s a three-year deal for the Ontario-born big man, who will now likely suit up for AHL Hartford next season. Financial terms were not disclosed by the team but PuckPedia reports that the deal will carry an AAV of $850K, consisting of a $775K base salary and a $75K signing bonus each season.
Roobroeck, 20 in July, is one of the more unique prospects in the league. Standing at 6’7″ and 205 lbs, he went undrafted upon initially being eligible in 2022.
A move within the Ontario Hockey League from Niagara to Oshawa sparked his development, though, and he broke out for 15 goals and 53 points in 68 appearances during the 2022-23 campaign. That performance put him on some NHL teams’ radars, including the Rangers, who selected him with the 2023 sixth-round pick that they acquired from the Jets along with Andrew Copp in a deadline deal two years ago.
Roobroeck continued to improve on both sides of the puck this season, finishing second on the Generals in scoring with a career-best 26 goals and 72 points in 68 games. He added 101 PIMs and a +23 rating and played a pivotal role on an Oshawa team that advanced to the OHL championship, losing in a sweep to the champion London Knights.
His size obviously jumps off the page, but he is a decent puck handler and is a better skater than you’d expect for such a tall frame. The Rangers have the option to assign him back to Oshawa if they feel he needs an overage season, but since he’s turning 20 before the New Year, he’s eligible for a full-time assignment to the AHL.
Roobroeck’s age also makes him ineligible for an entry-level slide, so his deal will take effect next season regardless of whether he sees NHL ice. He’ll become a restricted free agent upon expiry in 2027.
His younger brother, Ryan Roobroeck, is currently on track to be a top-10 selection in the 2026 draft. Also a center, the 16-year-old Ryan already stands at 6’2″ and 185 lbs and had 28 goals and 51 points in 63 games for Niagara this year, who finished last in the OHL.