Our 2025 Montreal Canadiens prospect rankings continue with one of the most underrated players in the system, forward Vinzenz Rohrer.
As a reminder, to qualify for our list, Habs prospects must under 24 years old and have fewer than 75 NHL games under their belt. The rankings are based on the votes from almost 10,000 Canadiens fans.
16. Vinzenz Rohrer, C/RW, Shoots Right, 20, ZSC Lions (NL), 5’10”, 173 lb. Picked 75th Overall (2022)
Some eyebrows were raised when Vinzenz Rohrer decided to head to Europe following two decent seasons in the OHL with the Ottawa 67’s. European teams are more difficult to monitor from this side of the pond, and there’s always an uneasy vibe in the air whenever a prospect heads further away from the team that drafted him.
Fortunately, the decision seems to have paid off, with Rohrer emerging as a hard-working forward who has an endless stream of energy and does not hesitate to mix it up in the dirty areas of the ice.
Rohrer scored 97 points in 112 games in the OHL, and while that may appear to be more encouraging than his 22 goals and 22 assists in 101 games in the NL (Switzerland), it must be said that the discrepancy in talent between both leagues is chasmic.
The NL has slowly yet surely become one of the best hockey leagues in Europe thanks to a level of roster consistency that is rarely found in the KHL or AHL. To make matters more interesting, Rohrer joined the powerhouse Zurich Lions (ZSC Lions), one of the most prestigious teams in Europe which features some familiar faces, including former Habs Sven Andrighetto and Yannick Weber.
In other words, it was far from the rocky road situation David Reinbacher had to deal with while playing for Kloten HC.
European Development
On top of facing bigger, stronger, and more experienced opponents, Rohrer was one of the youngest players on the team, and the only regularly-used 19-year-old in the lineup.
He almost doubled his goal-scoring in 2024-25, going from seven goals in 49 games during his rookie campaign to 15 goals in 52 games this past season. We should probably guard against expecting Rohrer to provide a regular scoring touch once he returns to North America, but scoring 15 goals from the third line in a professional league is a praiseworthy result. That being said, Rohrer averaged a little over 16 minutes per game last year, which is a little more than you’d expect for a player being used in his role.
Beyond playing professional hockey for two seasons, Rohrer also gained crucial playoff experience in Zurich, including back-to-back NL championships, as well as a Champions Hockey League banner. Learning to win is very important in any sport, but even more so in the NHL, where the margins between success and failure are razor-thin.
Rohrer’s Potential Montreal Canadiens Impact
The mere fact that we’re discussing Rohrer’s NHL potential is a good sign. Players picked in the third round have the odds stacked against them when it comes to playing in the best hockey league on earth.
Even though Rohrer’s scoring pace is far from jaw-dropping, his style of play, which has often been compared to Brendan Gallagher’s, should serve him well if he does manage to earn a roster spot with the Habs.
After all, hard work opens a path to the NHL, regardless of the talent level involved.
I’d expect a head coach such as Martin St-Louis to quickly gravitate toward a prospect like Rohrer, because he understands the work ethic necessary to succeed when you’re constantly lining up against bigger opponents.
On that note, I don’t really agree that Rohrer is a European version of Gallagher, though it is a good comparison from a work ethic standpoint. Gallagher is a little stronger, and a lot more annoying to play against, whereas Rohrer is a better skater who possesses a superior shot.
What’s Next For Montreal Canadiens Prospect Vinzenz Rohrer?
Rohrer signed his entry-level contract earlier this summer, however, his time in Switzerland is not yet over.
It’s important to note that If Rohrer fails to earn a roster spot at training camp, a likely scenario, he cannot be loaned to the Laval Rocket until December 1, therefore he would return to Zurich to help in their bid to become three-peat champions.
From a greedy perspective, it would be great if Rohrer joined the Rocket, especially since they’ll need a few more healthy bodies in the mix, but there’s something to be said about spending a third consecutive season in Zurich, as it will help prepare him for the rigours ahead while also helping him develop into a team player alongside familiar teammates.
Previously Published 2025 Montreal Canadiens Prospect Articles:
Canadiens Prospect Rankings No.18 – Aatos Koivu
Canadiens Prospect Rankings – No.17 Sean Farrell
Montreal Canadiens Top Prospect Rankings – Final List
Do you agree or disagree with the Montreal Canadiens prospect rankings? Let us know in the comments below!
Montreal Canadiens and Vinzenz Rohrer statistics via Elite Prospects.
