Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - In the days leading up to the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, WGR will provide profiles on some players that could be available for the Sabres with the 27th overall pick in the first round.
It's hard to miss Brooks Rogowski on the ice, because the forward comes lumbering in at 6-foot-7 and 236 pounds.
Following a successful high school season during his 2023-24 campaign, in which he won a state championship, Rogowski ended up going the Canadian junior route by joining the Oshawa Generals after being the 38th overall pick in the OHL Priority Draft.
In his first season with the Generals, Rogowski played a more limited role, but managed to account for 23 points (11+12) in 66 games played. Then in the playoffs for Oshawa, Rogowski produced well with three goals and a trio of assists for six points in 19 games played.
His draft year, though, ended up being a bit rough for Rogowski, given the fact he was on a Generals team that finished with the worst record in the Ontario Hockey League. He also battled a couple of injuries over the course of the year that forced him to miss some time, limiting him to just 46 games.
However, the 17-year-old was still able to produce respectable results in his draft year, scoring 15 goals and adding 27 assists for 42 points.
The native of Brighton, Mich. also got some action with the U.S. National Team this year, winning a gold medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup before the year and then also taking part in the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship. At the U18 tournament in Slovakia, Rogowski did produce three assists in four games.
For a player of Rogowski's size, he managed to motor around the ice well. Even though he isn't the fastest skater, he utilizes some long, powerful strides to motor and accelerate around the rink. He pursues pucks well, can be tenacious when on the forecheck, and has good edge work to maneuver in tight spaces.
Rogowski's size is also an advantage for him with his reach and the ability to stick check well. He can win puck battles along the boards with his stick and strength, defend well utilizing his reach, while also using his frame to protect the puck while on his stick.
With his huge frame, Rogowski is able to get pucks off his stick with force, and has a good arsenal in his weaponry. He can get quick wrist shots off his stick with solid hands that find the top corner, while also letting go of a booming one-timer that can find its way through the opposing goalie.
While Rogowski can certainly score goals, he does, arguably, have more of a playmaking side to his game with good passing and vision to set up scoring chances. He's good about hitting teammates on the fly with his passes, and can find small holes to hit his intended target. He also has a nice set of soft hands to feather a puck through traffic, if needed.
Rogowski is also reliable to play at both ends of the ice, and very disciplined in his game, staying out of trouble by not putting his team in penalty trouble.
Even though Rogowski shows his strength and size well, there are some instances where one may want to see him utilize it more to become a force every shift and someone no player wants to engage with. This includes in the faceoff circle, where he did struggle, at times, prompting a move to the wing towards the end of the season.
And while Rogowski does get around the ice well for his size, if he can just sharpen his skating and footwork a bit more, it may help him be even more dangerous, especially when in transition.
According to Elite Prospects, Rogowski is planning to play one more season in the OHL with the Generals before making the jump to the collegiate level to play at Michigan State University.
There will be plenty of teams salivating at the chance to draft a forward like Rogowski with his size and power. If Rogowski can grow his game as he continues his development, while also continuing to showcase his talent at that size, whichever team drafts him is likely to have a solid player to contribute in the middle of the lineup down the road.
