By Andrew Phillip Chernoff | CanucksBanter

June 28, 2026

The Canucks opened up the second round of the 2026 NHL Draft, selecting with 33rd overall pick, center Brooks Rogowski of the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League.

When the Vancouver Canucks opened up the second round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, they made a massive statement—literally. Selecting 6-foot-7, 236-pound center Brooks Rogowski out of the OHL’s Oshawa Generals, Vancouver secured a towering pivot with a tantalizing toolkit. For a franchise heavily invested in fortifying a heavy, 200-foot roster capable of navigating the grueling path back to true playoff contention, adding a matchup center of this sheer magnitude is a foundational move.

Scouting Report & Prospect Evaluation

Brooks Rogowski | Center | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’7″ | Weight: 236 lbs

2025-26 Team: Oshawa Generals (OHL) | Stats: 46 GP, 15 G, 27 A, 42 Pts

Rogowski is one of the most physically imposing players in the 2026 draft class, but it is the refinement in his game that attracted NHL scouts. He spent his draft year not just relying on his frame, but taking on heavy penalty-killing minutes and defensive responsibilities for the Generals. Furthermore, his international pedigree—including capturing a gold medal with Team USA at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and contributing at the U18 World Championships—demonstrates his ability to perform in high-stakes environments.

Core Skills & Talents

• Deceptive Mobility: It is incredibly rare to find a 6-foot-7 forward with NHL-projectable skating, but Rogowski possesses surprisingly dynamic edges. He achieves a deep, active posture in his stride, allowing him to carry the puck through the neutral zone, turn corners on defenders, and maintain momentum.
• Puck Protection & Board Battles: Rogowski uses his massive wingspan and stable base to shield the puck from poke-checks. He is a nightmare to defend down low, consistently absorbing contact and emerging from board battles with possession.
• Hockey IQ & Two-Way Commitment: He is a remarkably smart 200-foot player. Rogowski reads the ice well, anticipates defensive breakdowns, and actively breaks up plays. He takes pride in doing the “small things”—forechecking relentlessly, winning draws, and shutting down passing lanes.
• Developing Offensive Vision: Initially pegged by some scouts as a pure shutdown checker, Rogowski’s offensive instincts blossomed in the second half of the season. He showcased improved playmaking ability, soft hands around the crease, and a heavy shot that he isn’t afraid to launch through traffic.

The Upside for Vancouver

Rogowski’s ceiling is that of a dominant, reliable middle-six power center. He projects as a vital defensive anchor who can match up against top-tier opponents, eat tough defensive zone starts, and contribute secondary scoring.

The immediate plan requires patience: Rogowski is slated to return to Oshawa for the 2026-27 season before heading to the NCAA to play for Michigan State in 2027-28. This developmental runway is ideal. The Spartans’ program will be the perfect environment for him to cultivate a more “bullish” mentality and develop the aggressive mean streak that scouts believe will make him an unstoppable force. If he puts it all together, Vancouver has drafted a unicorn center who can tilt the ice and become a vital pillar in their long-term competitive window.

NEXT TIME

Profile of Canucks 2nd round, 41st pick Niklas Aaram-Olsen of Örebro HK U20 (Nationell)

Until next time, hockey fans