McKeen’s Hockey’s Peter Harling posted an article about players who skated in Europe last year who happen to be available for fantasy hockey drafts ahead of this upcoming season, and Harling includes Red Wings prospect forward Theo Rochette on his list:
Theo Rochette, C – Detroit Red Wings
Rochette has dual citizenship with Canada and Switzerland. He played five seasons in the QMJHL, culminating in a 106-point season in Quebec where he captained the Ramparts to a Memorial Cup Championship. Undrafted, he has played the past three seasons in the Swiss NL with Lausanne where he has 104 points over 131 games. His recent play at the WC with Switzerland where he posted six points in ten games caught the Red Wings eye and they signed him to an ELC. Rochette is an undersized, playmaking center with excellent vision. Looking at a season in the AHL with Grand Rapids, he could see some NHL time this season but is a work in progress.
Continued; Rochette’s only 5’11” and 172 pounds, so he got pushed around during the prospect tournament and in exhibition games, but he’s definitely got superb passing skills, and he’s a maneuverable skater. I would definitely deem him a “work in progress” despite his status as 24 years of age.
