Roger McQueen’s NHL debut arrives Tuesday night as the Anaheim Ducks face the Calgary Flames, capping a quick turnaround from his recent recall from the American Hockey League. The 20 year old forward, selected No. 10 overall by Anaheim in the 2025 NHL Draft, was skating on the third line between Frank Vatrano and A.J. Greer at practice ahead of the game, according to NHL.com.
The Ducks recalled McQueen from the San Diego Gulls after he led his AHL club with three goals in four games to start the season. That burst of production helped push him onto Anaheim’s active roster less than six months after he signed his entry-level contract with the organization on April 18.
The Main Development: McQueen Gets The Call
McQueen’s Roger McQueen NHL debut against Calgary marks the first time the former top-10 pick will suit up for Anaheim at the top level. NHL.com reported he was placed on the third line in practice, flanked by veterans Vatrano and Greer, giving him experienced linemates for his first game.
McQueen described the moment in personal terms. “It’s a great day, so very excited. Kind of waited for this moment for a while, so super excited,” he said, according to NHL.com.
“Obviously, just trying to get the win and just enjoy it. You only get this once, so it’s one of those things you want to enjoy.”
What It Means For The Ducks’ Lineup
Slotting McQueen between Vatrano and Greer suggests the Ducks plan to use him in a complementary role for his first game rather than asking him to drive play on his own. Both linemates bring NHL experience, which could ease the transition for a player making the jump directly from a four-game AHL sample.
The move also reflects how quickly Anaheim’s plans for McQueen shifted. He was in San Diego to start the season, but his three goals in four games were enough production for the Ducks to recall him and then insert him into the lineup against Calgary.
Background: From Draft Pick To Pro Contract
Anaheim took McQueen with the No. 10 selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, investing a first-round pick in the forward. He signed his entry-level contract with the club on April 18, formalizing his move toward the professional ranks.
His stint with the Gulls was brief but productive. Leading San Diego in goals over his first four AHL games gave the Ducks a clear statistical case for the recall that preceded Tuesday’s debut.
What’s Next
McQueen’s immediate focus is Tuesday’s game against the Flames, his first appearance at the NHL level. How the Ducks deploy him beyond this game, including whether he stays on the third line with Vatrano and Greer, will depend on decisions the coaching staff makes in the days following his debut.
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