Roger McQueen returns against Red Deer Rebels

The Montreal Canadiens scouting staff has been busy going over all kinds of prospects, and Brandon Wheat Kings 6'5" centre Roger McQueen has been cleared to play.

With just 10 games remaining on Brandon's schedule, McQueen will have a bit of time to shake off the cobwebs before the WHL playoffs start. But the biggest impact of his return will be how his draft stock improves. I also expect that the Wheat Kings are extremely pleased with McQueen's return - a tremendous boost for his team.

McQueen has been limited to just eight games this season, but the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native scored eight goals, and three assists in that span. Scouts know what McQueen brings to the table, but much like Cayden Lindstrom last year, there is a certain risk there. Of course, if he can prove down the stretch that he is healthy and able to get back to doing the things that have him so highly regarded, he could make some noise in the top 10-15 picks in June.

The big right-shot centre is shifty and has tremendous skating mechanics and footspeed for his. His puck skills, and quick release round out an offensive threat, who has great reach and equally vision and intelligence. He manoeuvres around the ice with the mobility and explosiveness of a smaller player.

Thoughts on his game

McQueen was very clearly a step behind, but he is so smart and positionally aware, that it didn't lead to any problems. Red Deer jumped out to a two-goal lead with two tallies on the power play.

The projected first round selection at the NHL Draft in June, was given some power play by Wheat Kings head coach Marty Murray. McQueen had a single shot in the first period, coming on his off-wing on the power play. Despite coming off a back injury, he had tremendous zip on his quick release.

Off the puck, he utilized great routes to find open space. In a couple of sequences with the puck, he pivoted utilizing his frame and reach to bait a defender, before finding a teammate with a tape-to-tape feed. The little details in McQueen's game have stood out, and despite no points through two periods, he has eased into the game well.

Aside from a slashing penalty towards the end of the middle frame, McQueen has been relatively quiet. For a two-way centre, that is kind of what you want to hear. The fact that he hasn't found the scoresheet, leaves me wanting to see more; but the realist in me is aware of the significance of McQueen's injury and recovery.

At 17:45 in the final frame, Merrek Arpin and Jhett Larson. Arpin got a two minute minor for roughing, and a five minute fighting major. Larson got two majors - one for fighting, and one for boarding - and a 10-minute misconduct. The Wheat Kings came out of the penalty box parade with a five-minute power play.

The Wheat Kings failed to capitalize on their extended man advantage.

six minutes and five seconds after the heated exchange between Arpin and Larson, McQueen took a five minute boarding major penalty. McQueen was also assessed a 10-minute misconduct for his troubles. The hit was no doubt a big one, but McQueen is bigger than 75% of the Western Hockey League.

So, with that McQueen finished the night with 17 minutes worth of penalties, went five for ten in the faceoff dot, and he registered one shot on goal.

Red Deer seemed to grab the momentum after McQueen got tossed, as they scored the next two goals. Matthew Gard scored his second and third goal of the game, finishing off a hat trick that he started in the first period.

Gard's second goal of the game held up as the game winner, and his third the insurance marker.