Introduction
Vinzenz Rohrer was ranked number 28 on last year’s list and now is making the Top 25 Under 25 for the first time in his career. With the addition of talent that Montreal acquired in the last couple of drafts it is a feat in itself. The rise is founded on a successful season in the National League in Switzerland in which he and Zürich managed to win four titles in a little over a year’s time: the playoffs, the regular-season title, the Champions Hockey League, and the playoffs once more.
Rohrer was an integral part of that success, on the ice for his work ethic and finishing touch but also off the ice where his leadership skills stand out. He spent time on Zürich’s first line and the third, earning reps both on the power play and the penalty kill. The latter was a new usage and something that probably strengthened his position when it was time to vote.
While the team had it success, Rohrer himself increased his point total (a 25% increase) and goal total (a 50% increase) last season compared to the 2023-24 campaign. He had six points (4G, 2A) in eight games for Austria during the World Championship, but his tournament ended with a game misconduct as he answered a crosscheck from Sandro Schmid with one of his own and hit the face of his opponent.
The Montreal Canadiens were impressed with his season and chose to sign him on June 14, a day before the deadline for signing contracted European players. While it will be tough for Rohrer to make the Canadiens, it opens up the chance for him to go overseas once the season in Switzerland has finished, much like Oliver Kapanen did last year.
Voting
Rohrer’s votes ranged from 19 to 36, while the community had him at 27. He is on a plateau of four players covered by less than one rank in the average vote; two of them made the Top 25 whereas Tyler Thorpe and Aatos Koivu just missed out.
In the charts of most of the players who will be profiled this week, you will see a clear shift toward the front end of the distribution as voters made a point to get these players ahead of the cutoff at 25th.
Top 25 Under 25 History
| 2022: #26 | 2023: #28 | 2024: #28 |
History of #25
| Year | #25 |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Vinzenz Rohrer |
| 2024 | Aatos Koivu |
| 2023 | Lias Andersson |
| 2022 | Oliver Kapanen |
| 2021 | Jacob Olofsson |
| 2020 | Jacob Olofsson |
| 2019 | Gustav Olofsson / Jordan Harris |
| 2018 | Brett Lernout |
| 2017 | Cale Fleury |
| 2016 | Max Friberg / Jeremy Grégoire |
| 2015 | Mac Bennett |
| 2014 | Jeremy Grégoire |
| 2013 | Patrick Holland |
| 2012 | Gabriel Dumont |
| 2011 | Morgan Ellis |
| 2010 | Maxim Trunev |
Strengths
Rohrer’s game is built on intelligence, speed, and intensity. His hockey sense really has shown up as he returned to Switzerland after an OHL stint. He has been hailed as a natural Brendan Gallagher replacement in the Canadiens’ lineup since his draft year as he plays with the same intensity and passion — which sometimes leads to him crossing the line. His hockey IQ is something that many coaches have spoken about, directly to Eyes On The Prize and in more open forums such as games both domestic and international.
Something that has come to the fore lately are his leadership qualities. He isn’t wearing a letter on his jersey, but it is evident that he looks to make sure that all people, players, and staff members are included in different celebrations. He leads from the shadows, but he is an integral part of the team-building core of the Lions.
Weaknesses
While Rohrer has grown into the men’s game and developed a bigger physique, it is still where his main weakness is. At 5’10” he will have to be better than players that are an inch or two taller in the same competition for a roster spot. There is nothing he can do to improve his height, but Montreal has quite a few of these players in the system and closer than Zürich at the moment. One can only speculate what that will mean for Rohrer’s future on the other side of the pond.
Projection
Rohrer has signed his entry-level contract with the Canadiens and while he will play with in Europe in 2025-25, he is part of the organization for real. One can’t expect him to make the NHL team this fall, and most likely he will have to continue his development path in the AHL once he heads over, either after the European season finishes or next season.
The upside that Rohrer has is the same as for Gallagher. Unfortunately his weakness is the same: his size. While he can outwork anyone, that might not be enough on a roster that already has a few players on the shorter side. Many have bet against him because of his height, his decision to go back to Europe, and his lack of scoring. He has proven some of those people wrong, with his play in Switzerland. Can he do it by becoming a regular NHLer? That is really the only question that remains to be answered.
