Anthony Romani’s Rise Gives Canucks a Glimpse of a Brighter Future
It’s been a tough stretch for the Vancouver Canucks this season. Sitting at the bottom of the NHL standings, they’re staring down a long rebuild and holding the best odds at landing the first-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. But while the present is painful, the future is starting to show some serious promise-and one name that’s quickly climbing the prospect radar is Anthony Romani.
From Overlooked to Overachiever
Romani’s story is the kind that catches your attention. After going undrafted in 2023, he didn’t just bounce back-he exploded.
Skating for the North Bay Battalion in the OHL, Romani racked up a staggering 58 goals and 111 points, forcing NHL scouts to take notice. That breakout season earned him a sixth-round selection by the Canucks in 2024, and it’s looking more and more like they may have found a hidden gem.
His path since then hasn’t been without bumps. The 2024-25 season saw him battle through injuries and a midseason trade to the Barrie Colts. Still, he posted 30 points in 29 regular season games and added 24 more in just 16 playoff contests-proof that even when the circumstances change, Romani finds a way to produce.
Then came his move to the NCAA, where he committed to Michigan State University. And that’s where things really started to click.
Thriving in East Lansing
Now in his freshman season with the Spartans, Romani is making an immediate impact. Playing alongside top-tier talent like Flyers prospect Porter Martone and Blue Jackets pick Cayden Lindstrom, Romani hasn’t just kept pace-he’s stood out. A hat trick last Friday was just the latest highlight in a season that’s seen him tally 12 goals, 10 assists, and 22 points.
What’s made him so effective? It’s a combination of tools that jump off the screen: a quick release, high-end speed, and slick puck-handling that allows him to create space and opportunities in tight.
He’s not just surviving in the NCAA-he’s thriving against older, more experienced competition. That’s a strong indicator that his game could translate well at the pro level.
Why the Canucks Should Sign Him Now
For Vancouver, the next logical step is getting Romani under contract when his college season wraps up in late March or early April. There’s no playoff push to worry about-this is about laying the foundation for the future. Signing Romani to his entry-level deal gives the Canucks a chance to integrate him into the organization early, whether that means giving him a taste of NHL action or sending him to Abbotsford to get his feet wet in the AHL.
Either way, it’s a win. Romani has already shown he can produce at a high level, and the sooner he gets into the pro environment, the better. The NHL is a different beast, and the earlier he starts adjusting to the speed and physicality, the faster he can grow into a contributor.
There’s also the development angle. Staying in college another year might not offer the same growth opportunities.
Romani’s already proven he can dominate at that level. The risk is that extended time in a lower league could lead to bad habits-something we’ve seen before with players who rely too much on skill and not enough on adapting to the pace and structure of the pro game.
Looking Ahead
The Canucks have every reason to be excited about what Romani brings to the table. He’s got the tools, the production, and the trajectory of a player who could become a key piece in their rebuild. Bringing him into the fold now sets the tone for the next chapter in Vancouver-a chapter built on youth, speed, and a little bit of swagger.
Whether he finishes the season in Vancouver or Abbotsford, Romani represents something the Canucks desperately need right now: hope. And if his play this year is any indication, that hope might not be so far off.