Oshawa Generals forward taken in second round by New York Rangers

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Published July 4, 2023 at 12:30 pm

A player acquired by the Oshawa Generals for the price of an eighth-round OHL pick a year ago is now an NHL-drafted hockey player after big forward Dylan Roobroeck was selected by the New York Rangers in the sixth round, 178 overall Thursday.

Roobroek, who had a big season last year with the Generals with 15 goals and 53 points, was added to the Oshawa roster prior to training camp in 2022.

“Never in doubt,” was the call from the Generals after Roobroek became the second forward taken by the Rangers (and first on day two of the draft) and the second General chosen after Calum Ritchie went #27 overall in the first round to Colorado.

“I feel as though Dylan had a breakout season with us last year,” said Oshawa Generals General Manager Roger Hunt. “He’s always been a good player, but he needed the opportunity to show it and he has certainly caught the eyes of numerous NHL teams ahead of this draft.”

Roobroek’s offensive numbers were good last year but it is the 6’7” centre’s physical presence that attracted the Rangers and other big-league clubs in the draft. The London native found his stride with Oshawa, carrying a very consistent offense throughout the year while never shying away from physical play – something opposing teams really struggled to defend against. His best game came against Windsor, where he scored a goal and added three assists for a career-best four-point game.

Blue Line Station, a New York Rangers blogger, expressed pleasure with the pick on social media, calling Roobroek a “fridge on skates.”

“Clearly, the offensive side of the game is something that comes easily to Roobroeck and the Blueshirts need center prospects for the future when Zibanejad, Trocheck, and Chytil cannot carry the load anymore, (but) that production is not why they drafted him. Roobroeck is 6’7 and 205 lbs. This is a fridge on skates,” Blue Line Station noted. “That size to go with some somewhat quick feet is a scary combination of attributes to have.”

Roobroek, whose younger brother Ryan was taken second overall in the recent OHL drat by Niagara (the same team that drafted Dylan) will be counted on as a key player for the Generals this season as they climb back up the standings from last year’s eighth-place finish.

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