The Anaheim Ducks signed Providence College center Roger McQueen to an amateur tryout contract on Wednesday and allowed their No. 10 selection from the 2025 NHL draft to begin his professional career.

McQueen will play with the San Diego Gulls, the Ducks’ American Hockey League affiliate, for the remainder of this season. He was the Hockey East Conference rookie of the year in his first season with the Friars.

“It is exciting to welcome Roger to our organization to play professional hockey after a strong freshman season at Providence,” Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said in a statement. “Roger will gain valuable experience playing additional games in San Diego, which will be an important step in his development.”

McQueen was the Ducks’ initial pick in the decentralized draft in Los Angeles, and his selection was followed by a lot of fanfare. Shortly after his selection and some interviews, the 6-foot-6 forward was whisked by helicopter from the top of a downtown hotel to Disneyland in Anaheim. The Ducks had a No. 95 jersey ready for their new draft pick, a nod to the Lightning McQueen character of Disney’s “Cars” movie series.

McQueen played one season with Providence under coach Nate Leaman, and it came to an end with a 5-2 loss to Quinnipiac in the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. McQueen had 11 goals and finished third on the Friars with 27 points. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, native was one of many Canadian major junior standouts who opted to move into the NCAA ranks this season, after a rules change made it possible.

Before joining Providence, McQueen played three full seasons with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League. He played in only 17 games with Brandon in 2024-25 because of a back fracture, but he enjoyed good health with Providence and did not miss a game.

The injury, originally misdiagnosed as a bulging disc, was one reason McQueen’s draft position was in question. Now he will start his pro career with a Ducks franchise that has Leo Carlsson as its No. 1 center. But Mason McTavish is struggling as the No. 2 pivot and, at least for now, has lost that spot to veteran Mikael Granlund. McTavish also got moved away from center, as Ryan Poehling flourished on the third line and rookie Tim Washe grabbed the 4C spot.