Canadiens sign Vinzenz Rohrer to entry-level contract

Rohrer was taken by the Canadiens in the third round, 75th overall, of the 2022 NHL Draft. At the time, he was establishing himself as a solid prospect with the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League. After two respectable seasons in Ottawa, he returned to Switzerland in 2023, joining the ZSC Lions of the National League.

While he wasn’t a superb scoring threat over the past couple of years, the 20-year-old was a solid contributor on one of the best teams in Switzerland’s top professional league. In 2023-24, Rohrer scored seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points in 49 games, earning Youngster of the Year honors.

This past season, he showed more of his goal-scoring prowess, notching 15 goals and 10 assists for 25 points in 52 games. In each of Rohrer’s two years in the National League, he helped the Lions win the league championship. On top of that, he was part of the team that captured the franchise’s first Champions Hockey League title this past season.

Along with his professional experience, Rohrer has spent a lot of time on the international scene. He played for Austria at each of the last two IIHF Men’s World Championships, even trying to help the country qualify for the Olympics last fall.

Daily Faceoff prospect expert Steven Ellis was really impressed by how he played in this year’s Men’s Worlds.

“This has been a breakout of the tournament for him,” Ellis said. “He’s very fast…He’s blocking shots. He’s playing on the penalty kill. He’s doing everything for this Austrian team. … He is showing signs that he can be a very valuable bottom-six player for the Canadiens, just due to how well he moves, that energy, and everything there combined.”

Rohrer scored four goals and six points in eight games in the tournament in Stockholm.