Prospect Profiles: Anthony Romani

Offence-first winger with elite release

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Selected in the sixth round (162nd overall) of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks, Anthony Romani is beginning to make a compelling case to be viewed as a legitimate prospect within the Vancouver Canucks system. After developing in the OHL, the Ontario native took advantage of the NCAA’s updated eligibility rules for CHL players and made the jump to Michigan State, a move that has proven an ideal stepping stone in his development. Joining a powerhouse program has given Romani access to elite facilities and daily competition against physically mature, experienced players, the perfect environment for a prospect still looking to add strength and polish his game. The trade-off has been opportunity. On a stacked Michigan State roster, Romani has spent much of the season in a supporting role, stuck on the third line and seeing secondary power-play minutes. After a brief adjustment period, he has hit his stride, scoring 16 points in his last 15 games and now ranking fourth on the team with 24 points in 30 games. For a sixth-round pick competing against older collegiate players, that production is impressive and

highlights what has always made him stand out, an elite release.

Romani is a pure shooter. Whether it's a catch-and-shoot opportunity or a curl-and-drag that creates space, he beats goaltenders with precision and deception. His ability to slow the game down and make subtle reads elevates his shot, particularly on the rush, where he generates most of his offence. Both his shot and offensive instincts project well at the NHL level. Beyond his scoring touch, Romani is a polished offensive facilitator. With nine primary assists among his 12 helpers, he consistently identifies seams and delivers crisp, decisive passes. A true dual-threat, he can finish plays himself or set up teammates when defenders overcommit, making him a difficult read for any defence. That said, there are still questions about the rest of his game. Romani is largely perimeter-oriented and doesn’t consistently use his frame to win battles in tight areas or in front of the net. His skating is solid but lacks the burst and separation speed that often separates NHL wingers from top AHL scorers. As the pace quickens and space shrinks at the NHL level, those limitations will be exposed. Still, for a sixth-round pick, this is exactly the kind of upside teams are happy to bet on. Romani is an offence-first winger with a clearly defined NHL skill, and that alone keeps his projection alive.

Normally, the Canucks would hold Romani’s signing rights for just two years as a CHL-drafted player, meaning a decision regarding his contract would have been required by June 1, 2026. Because he chose the NCAA route, Vancouver now retains his rights for up to four more years, or until he decides to leave college and turn pro. That gives the organization plenty of flexibility and removes any immediate pressure to sign him. While this technically opens the door for Romani to hold out and eventually become a free agent, the odds of that happening are low.