MLive’s Ansar Khan posted a profile of Red Wings free agent signing Theo Rochette, a 24-year-old center who stands at 5’11” and 174 pounds.
The Red Wings signed the free agent Rochette, 24, to a one-year entry-level contract in June, after a strong season with Lausanne HC, where he finished tied for third in goals (22) and tied for eighth in points (43) in 46 games in the Swiss-A league.
He felt the time was right to give the NHL another try after going undrafted despite two prolific seasons with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL in 2021-22 and 2022-23 (75 goals, 205 points, plus-109 in 131 games). He was part of the Remparts’ Memorial Cup-winning team in 2023, coached by Patrick Roy.
“My dream is to play in the NHL, so I don’t want to have any regret not trying,” Rochette said. “I went to Europe first because I didn’t have any opportunities here. It was really good to play in Europe. Switzerland is a great league and helped me a lot. Now I felt ready to try to play in North America again.”
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Rochette wants to show he’s capable of playing the North American game.
“I think I’m good around the net, either making plays or shooting the puck,” he said. “I still need to work on my (strength), but also on my defensive game. I think I’m responsible, but still some details to work on.”
He gained confidence at the World Championship, tallying three goals and six points in 10 games as host Switzerland lost 1-0 in overtime to Finland in the gold medal game.
“To play with great players like that and have the opportunity to learn from them, it was really good for me and a lot of experience gained from it,” Rochette said.
Continued (paywall); Rochette’s looked fantastic in the prospect tournament, but he’s going to have to hold up in main camp and the exhibition season.
