Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom have had varying degrees of impact since joining the New York Rangers' roster, mainly as fourth-line options who provided minimal offense. If you ever wondered what their potential could be with a little more offense, I would like to take this time to introduce you to Dylan Roobroeck.
Dylan Roobroeck, who stands 6'7" and weighs 205 pounds, was drafted 178th overall in 6th round of the 2023 draft after posting a 15-38-53 season in 68 games with the Oshawa Generals of the OHL. In his first season post draft, Roobroeck took a step forward and improved to 26-46-72 in 68 games played in what was his third and final season in Canadian Juniors.
Roobroeck made his debut in the AHL this season with the Hartford Wolf Pack, and the hulking forward easily exceeded any and all expectations associated with him. In 72 games Roobroeck scored 20 goals and added 14 helpers for 34 points which placed him fourth on the team in scoring behind veteran Anton Blidh, fellow youngster Bo Groulx, and AHL journeyman Alex Belzile.
What stands out early about Roobroeck is that he's a big player who has shown an ability to contribute offensively. Most of Rempe's contributions as a Ranger have come from his physicality, but his lack of offense and frequency of crossing the line has been a detriment to him. Edstrom is a more polished version of Rempe, but thus far has only 62 games of NHL experience.
Roobroeck will be with the Wolf Pack to start the 2025-26 season, and in all likelihood will spend the entire season there. His ability to skate well and get involved offensively is a plus for someone his size, and has been part of his game for sometime now. Here's how he was described by Elite Prospects ahead of the 2022 draft.
"With the puck, Roobroeck starts give-and-gos, uses the middle, and even delays to outwait pressure. He shows playmaking skills, regularly slipping pucks under defenders’ sticks to teammates on the other side. He’s confident on the backhand and has the handling skill to deke around defenders."Elite Prospects
It is important to remember that he ultimately was a 6th round pick, so Roobroeck will be a success by just getting to the NHL at some point during his career. That said, it was impressive to see him join the AHL and score 20 goals in his first season, and given that the Rangers are a team that is on the smaller side and doesn't play a truculent game of hockey, he has an opportunity to seize a role in the future if he's able to continue developing.
It would be awesome if he could be a Brian Boyle type for the Rangers, someone who maxed out at 21 goals and 35 points, and also had nine seasons in which he scored 10 goals or more in a season. Boyle was 6'6" and 245 pounds, and he was drafted 26th overall by the Los Angeles Kings during the 2003 draft. He had more potential and pedigree than Roobroeck, but when you stand 6'7" before putting on skates, there's no reason not to dream big.