<p>Projecting young hockey players to NHL roles is the name of the game for NHL scouts. A myriad of factors complicate the process, especially considering that the primary evaluation process often comes when players are just 17 to 18 years old. Team-specific hurdles can frequently lead to limited viewings; low ice times or unleveraged opportunities can be detrimental for hockey prospects.</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>It was a preburial perfect storm for a winger like <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations">Vancouver Canucks</a> prospect <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/cas-top-20-vancouver-canucks-mid-season-prospect-rankings-10-anthony-romani">Anthony Romani.</a></p>
<p>Part of a North Bay team that was absurdly deep up front, Romani’s draft season was productive but also limited. Contending with Matvei Petrov, Kyle Jackson, current Canucks prospect Josh Bloom, and Kyle McDonald, among others — all of whom were over a point-per-game in the 2022-2023 season – Romani was a secondary offensive contributor on a 48-17-0-3 team.</p>
<p>To further this, there were moments when Romani looked fairly bland as an offensive contributor. Concerns centring around his projectability were clear – while he operated with pace, motor, and hockey sense, Romani appeared mechanically limited and lacked a translatable physical game. Considering those factors, it wasn’t overly shocking that he went undrafted on his first go-around.</p>
<p>Considering the NHL game these days, would you make that bet?</p>
<p>Nevertheless, players develop, roles expand, and for the 2023-2024 season, the Pickering product became a first-option attacker for North Bay, scoring an astonishing 58 goals and 111 points across 68 games, good for second in overall scoring in the OHL that season.</p>
<p>Romani’s anticipation, tools, and manipulation expanded drastically, allowing him to become a separating trigger man while retaining the effort and motor that defined his game during his draft season. While he still possessed concerns centring around his skating and physical skill, it was enough for the Canucks to take a shot on him in the sixth round.</p>
<p>The newly drafted Romani entered the 2024-2025 season on a transitioning Battalion team. After a broken clavicle early in the year, <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-prospect-anthony-romani-traded-barrie-colts">Romani was moved, alongside Owen Van Steensel, to the Barrie Colts</a> – a team with Ross Robertson Cup aspirations.</p>
<p>Upon his return, Romani scored 31 goals across 45 games and racked up 54 points in the same period. He also led the Colts in points and goals during a three-round playoff appearance, taking steps along the way to further refine his game.</p>
<h2><strong>Adaptable Scoring Threat</strong></h2>
<p>Romani’s skill as a downhill shooter is apparent. He’s excellent in space, using a deceptive, short-draw back release that he leverages with pinpoint precision. Turnaround shooting, outside foot wristers, and most importantly, catch-and-release skill are patterns that recur throughout his game.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Anthony Romani - Downhill Shooting, outside-foot wrister, precision - Canucks Prospect" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xnOAIjHKBpI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>While his shooting is a clear NHL tool, his play-reading, connecting, and off-puck movement aid his transition to the professional game the most. Romani executes transitional give-and-go passing plays, upping his pace to slice through defenders&#8217; peripherals. This often allows him to open up to take returns with pre-scanned targets chosen, which frequently leads to nifty finishes around the crease. Pace is the theme, a hallmark of his game, characterized by rolling waves of attacking play, all while meshing seamlessly with other high-end offensive players.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Anthony Romani -- Give-and-go connections, off-puck support - Canucks Prospect" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aZ9sN-ImHww?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Romani himself is a competent playmaker. He leverages delays — a junior-level habit that destroys structures — to open up passing lanes off the rush. While a considerable amount of his efforts are plays every NHLer can make, flashes of higher-end passing are sprinkled across his tape. Hook passes, slips, layers, long-bomb outlets – he may not be separating as he transitions to higher-level hockey, but he is competent enough to do the same with professionals.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Anthony Romani - Playmaking examples - Canucks Prospect" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/puZ9U8svQNs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>That may be the key to Romani translating more offence to the NHL game, as he isn’t the most deft finisher off the rush, especially when facing a gapped-up defender with possession. This is primarily due to issues with shot location. He’s not a constant dynamic threat, meaning he rarely problem-solves past well-positioned defenders to access the middle of the ice, leading to inefficient outside shooting. If there’s a lane, Romani takes it. Still, his heavier feet and general lack of explosiveness act as a limitation, unable to push defenders on their heels to power to the inside.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Anthony Romani - Outside rush shooting and lane accesses - Canucks Prospect" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XyRiKASDY_s?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Nevertheless, Romani’s handling is a clear plus-level tool that leads to more functional slot attacking given the opportunity. He’s at his best when loading a shot, breaking down defenders into blocking postures, stringing a deke off the manipulation. These attacks are often prefaced by generated speed in the neutral zone, drop pass positioning, and even wild, long-bomb pass receptions, usually leading to solo breaks and deft in-tight five-hole dekes. He’s like an NFL receiver in moments, catching Hail Marys, dealing with bounces and pressure in the process.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Anthony Romani - Puck Handling, large-ice and around the crease finishing - Canucks Prospect" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DcJewRmuMS0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>He’s a Swiss-Army knife scorer. Romani converts in so many ways, from distance to around the crease, both individually and off his teammates.</p>
<h2><strong>Has the physical game improved?</strong></h2>
<p>As mentioned, Romani’s lack of physical details was a sticking point for many evaluators. He possessed inside-positioning habits, but could never withstand the subsequent pressure. There was even battle initiation, but he was inconsistent and unable to effectively buy time off the cycle, win puck retrievals, and generate second-chance offence.</p>
<p>There’s reason to believe he took a step in this area this past year. It’s not shocking that a 6-foot-1, 190-pound fourth-year OHLer is having an easier time dealing with physicality. However, Romani looks stronger and is able to withstand pressure at a much higher level.</p>
<p>He had sequences where he fought to swing in front of defenders, kept superior positioning on the forecheck, and leveraged impactful, proactive contact when racing for retrievals. This wasn’t just a one-game pattern; it was something consistent across multiple games. He’s now able to pin and trap the feet of puck carriers on the outside of the ice, buying time for supporters to aid in the battles and extend zone time. Even his protection skills look levelled up.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Anthony Romani - Physical Habits (2024-2025) - Canucks Prospect" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xRJ8kF-jgwA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>While the development of his physical skill will need to be a constant focus going forward – he will face physical beasts in pro hockey, striving to add more details over time will significantly expand the certainty of his projection.</p>
<h2><strong>Updated Projection and Future</strong></h2>
<p>There’s enough ability here for Romani to be a bottom-six winger in the NHL one day – one who can connect plays, leveraging effort, two-way ability, and occasional scoring, barring further improvement to his skating and activity rate. With a commitment to <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-prospect-anthony-romani-commits-michigan-state">Michigan State University</a> for the 2025-2026 season, he will face older and stronger competition, which will allow him to further develop the necessary physical skills needed to translate.</p>
<p>With a scoring pedigree, age, and an MSU roster that will boast 2025’s Hobey Baker Award winner, Isaac Howard, he is joining a loaded team that will welcome a handful of talented freshmen who will be selected in the upcoming NHL draft. At 20 years old, he will be a leader on the team, likely leveraged as a scoring threat, before the jump to the American Hockey League, a period that will make or break his NHL aspirations.</p>
<h2><a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/artys-got-that-fight-him-silovs-earning-chants-abbotsford-canucks-fans-big-saves-feistiness">READ NEXT: ‘Arty’s got that fight in him’: Silovs earning chants from Canucks fans for his big saves and feistiness</a></h2>
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Vancouver Canucks prospect Anthony Romani skates during his team's 2-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers at the 2024 Young Stars Classic in Penticton, BC.

Projecting young hockey players to NHL roles is the name of the game for NHL scouts. A myriad of factors complicate the process, especially considering that the primary evaluation process often comes when players are just 17 to 18 years old. Team-specific hurdles can frequently lead to limited viewings; low ice times or unleveraged opportunities can be detrimental for hockey prospects.
<div class="bam-inline-promotion-block" data-max-length="2" data-placement-id="2111" data-context="web-content-promocard" data-property-id="329"></div>
&nbsp;

It was a preburial perfect storm for a winger like <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/combinations">Vancouver Canucks</a> prospect <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/cas-top-20-vancouver-canucks-mid-season-prospect-rankings-10-anthony-romani">Anthony Romani.</a>

Part of a North Bay team that was absurdly deep up front, Romani’s draft season was productive but also limited. Contending with Matvei Petrov, Kyle Jackson, current Canucks prospect Josh Bloom, and Kyle McDonald, among others — all of whom were over a point-per-game in the 2022-2023 season – Romani was a secondary offensive contributor on a 48-17-0-3 team.

To further this, there were moments when Romani looked fairly bland as an offensive contributor. Concerns centring around his projectability were clear – while he operated with pace, motor, and hockey sense, Romani appeared mechanically limited and lacked a translatable physical game. Considering those factors, it wasn’t overly shocking that he went undrafted on his first go-around.

Considering the NHL game these days, would you make that bet?

Nevertheless, players develop, roles expand, and for the 2023-2024 season, the Pickering product became a first-option attacker for North Bay, scoring an astonishing 58 goals and 111 points across 68 games, good for second in overall scoring in the OHL that season.

Romani’s anticipation, tools, and manipulation expanded drastically, allowing him to become a separating trigger man while retaining the effort and motor that defined his game during his draft season. While he still possessed concerns centring around his skating and physical skill, it was enough for the Canucks to take a shot on him in the sixth round.

The newly drafted Romani entered the 2024-2025 season on a transitioning Battalion team. After a broken clavicle early in the year, <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-prospect-anthony-romani-traded-barrie-colts">Romani was moved, alongside Owen Van Steensel, to the Barrie Colts</a> – a team with Ross Robertson Cup aspirations.

Upon his return, Romani scored 31 goals across 45 games and racked up 54 points in the same period. He also led the Colts in points and goals during a three-round playoff appearance, taking steps along the way to further refine his game.
<h2><strong>Adaptable Scoring Threat</strong></h2>
Romani’s skill as a downhill shooter is apparent. He’s excellent in space, using a deceptive, short-draw back release that he leverages with pinpoint precision. Turnaround shooting, outside foot wristers, and most importantly, catch-and-release skill are patterns that recur throughout his game.

https://youtu.be/xnOAIjHKBpI

While his shooting is a clear NHL tool, his play-reading, connecting, and off-puck movement aid his transition to the professional game the most. Romani executes transitional give-and-go passing plays, upping his pace to slice through defenders' peripherals. This often allows him to open up to take returns with pre-scanned targets chosen, which frequently leads to nifty finishes around the crease. Pace is the theme, a hallmark of his game, characterized by rolling waves of attacking play, all while meshing seamlessly with other high-end offensive players.

https://youtu.be/aZ9sN-ImHww

Romani himself is a competent playmaker. He leverages delays — a junior-level habit that destroys structures — to open up passing lanes off the rush. While a considerable amount of his efforts are plays every NHLer can make, flashes of higher-end passing are sprinkled across his tape. Hook passes, slips, layers, long-bomb outlets – he may not be separating as he transitions to higher-level hockey, but he is competent enough to do the same with professionals.

https://youtu.be/puZ9U8svQNs

That may be the key to Romani translating more offence to the NHL game, as he isn’t the most deft finisher off the rush, especially when facing a gapped-up defender with possession. This is primarily due to issues with shot location. He’s not a constant dynamic threat, meaning he rarely problem-solves past well-positioned defenders to access the middle of the ice, leading to inefficient outside shooting. If there’s a lane, Romani takes it. Still, his heavier feet and general lack of explosiveness act as a limitation, unable to push defenders on their heels to power to the inside.

https://youtu.be/XyRiKASDY_s

Nevertheless, Romani’s handling is a clear plus-level tool that leads to more functional slot attacking given the opportunity. He’s at his best when loading a shot, breaking down defenders into blocking postures, stringing a deke off the manipulation. These attacks are often prefaced by generated speed in the neutral zone, drop pass positioning, and even wild, long-bomb pass receptions, usually leading to solo breaks and deft in-tight five-hole dekes. He’s like an NFL receiver in moments, catching Hail Marys, dealing with bounces and pressure in the process.

https://youtu.be/DcJewRmuMS0

He’s a Swiss-Army knife scorer. Romani converts in so many ways, from distance to around the crease, both individually and off his teammates.
<h2><strong>Has the physical game improved?</strong></h2>
As mentioned, Romani’s lack of physical details was a sticking point for many evaluators. He possessed inside-positioning habits, but could never withstand the subsequent pressure. There was even battle initiation, but he was inconsistent and unable to effectively buy time off the cycle, win puck retrievals, and generate second-chance offence.

There’s reason to believe he took a step in this area this past year. It’s not shocking that a 6-foot-1, 190-pound fourth-year OHLer is having an easier time dealing with physicality. However, Romani looks stronger and is able to withstand pressure at a much higher level.

He had sequences where he fought to swing in front of defenders, kept superior positioning on the forecheck, and leveraged impactful, proactive contact when racing for retrievals. This wasn’t just a one-game pattern; it was something consistent across multiple games. He’s now able to pin and trap the feet of puck carriers on the outside of the ice, buying time for supporters to aid in the battles and extend zone time. Even his protection skills look levelled up.

https://youtu.be/xRJ8kF-jgwA

While the development of his physical skill will need to be a constant focus going forward – he will face physical beasts in pro hockey, striving to add more details over time will significantly expand the certainty of his projection.
<h2><strong>Updated Projection and Future</strong></h2>
There’s enough ability here for Romani to be a bottom-six winger in the NHL one day – one who can connect plays, leveraging effort, two-way ability, and occasional scoring, barring further improvement to his skating and activity rate. With a commitment to <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-prospect-anthony-romani-commits-michigan-state">Michigan State University</a> for the 2025-2026 season, he will face older and stronger competition, which will allow him to further develop the necessary physical skills needed to translate.

With a scoring pedigree, age, and an MSU roster that will boast 2025’s Hobey Baker Award winner, Isaac Howard, he is joining a loaded team that will welcome a handful of talented freshmen who will be selected in the upcoming NHL draft. At 20 years old, he will be a leader on the team, likely leveraged as a scoring threat, before the jump to the American Hockey League, a period that will make or break his NHL aspirations.
<h2><a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/artys-got-that-fight-him-silovs-earning-chants-abbotsford-canucks-fans-big-saves-feistiness">READ NEXT: ‘Arty’s got that fight in him’: Silovs earning chants from Canucks fans for his big saves and feistiness</a></h2>
<strong>Sponsored by bet365</strong>
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Daniel Gee: What do the Canucks have in prospect Anthony Romani?

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