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Montreal Canadiens: Why Playing In Switzerland Is Best For Vinzenz Rohrer

By Tyler Major-Mcnicol

HALIFAX, CANADA - DECEMBER 30: Vinzenz Rohrer #14 of Team Austria skates the puck against Team Germany during the first period in the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship at Scotiabank Centre on December 30, 2022 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Team Germany defeated Team Austria 4-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
HALIFAX, CANADA - DECEMBER 30: Vinzenz Rohrer #14 of Team Austria skates the puck against Team Germany during the first period in the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship at Scotiabank Centre on December 30, 2022 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Team Germany defeated Team Austria 4-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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Montreal Canadiens prospect Vinzenz Rohrer spent the past two seasons with the Ottawa 67’s but, as announced earlier in the week, he has decided to head over to the NL, Switzerland’s men’s league.

This decision could prove very beneficial for the young Austrian forward, who was selected in round 3 of the 2022 NHL Draft, 75th overall. Like most players coming over from the European leagues, an adjustment to North American ice can prove to be a challenge. Rohrer proved himself to the tune of scoring  97 points (44 goals, and 53 assists) in 118 games, during his two years with the 67’s.

Now with Rohrer set to join the Zurich Lions, in the NL, it draws a few questions. Why will it be so beneficial, and how might his production look by season’s end, to name a few?

Swiss Pro League The Right Step For Canadiens Prospect Rohrer

Rohrer showed his poise, smarts and play with the puck in spades throughout the 2021-22 season, and into the playoffs. He came up big for the Barber Poles in the OHL playoffs, scoring 12 points through 11 games. He was also a versatile forward, that was able to play centre or right wing.

The OHL certainly has big, strong and skilled players, but playing against men will be a big addition to his resume. The 5-foot-10, 161-pound Rankweil, Austria, native will be forced to show his speed, strength and poise night in and night out. Adding some muscle to his physique will better allow him to do that, and that will prove to be telling for how he will fare.

Personally, I believe that a season in the NL will put both him and the Canadiens scouts to work. Evaluating how he progresses, and should he perform well, I think he could have a great 2024 summer, and make noise at Laval’s training camp ahead of the 2024-25 season.

The Canadiens organization is very deep at forward, especially centre, but given Rohrer’s IQ, a Lehkonen-style player would be a welcomed addition.

I’m not comparing Rohrer exactly to Lehkonen, but if he can provide a smart two-way player, and pitch in 30-40 points, that’s very solid value for a third-round pick. Many decisions are to be made, but one thing is clear, the upcoming 2023-24 season will be his first as a pro and it will be a big one for Vinzenz Rohrer.

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