We continue on with our 2026 mid-season Vancouver Canucks prospect rankings here at CanucksArmy.

Today, we bring you a sharpshooting winger who can beat netminders clean and rack up the points.

If you’re looking for a refresher on our ranking criteria, be sure to check out our Honourable Mentions installment before diving in.

Now two years removed from being selected 162nd overall, Anthony Romani is beginning to make a compelling case to be viewed as a legitimate prospect within the Vancouver Canucks system.

Taking advantage of the new NCAA eligibility rules for CHL players, the Ontario native made the jump to Michigan State, a move that has proven to be an ideal developmental bridge. Opinions on the long-term impact of these rule changes will continue to vary. But for players like Romani — and fellow Canucks prospect Kieren Dervin, for example — it has created a valuable gap year (or two) that allows valuable development without forcing an early professional leap.

Landing at a powerhouse program like Michigan State has given Romani access to elite facilities and daily competition against mature, physically developed players. For a prospect who still needs to add strength, that environment is difficult to replicate elsewhere. Just as importantly, it allows him to sharpen his game without being rushed into the American League, a level he likely wasn’t ready to handle immediately.

The trade-off here is opportunity.

On a stacked Michigan State roster, Romani has spent much of the season in a supporting role. Outside of a brief two-game stretch during the holiday break — when several teammates were away at the World Juniors — he has been glued to the team’s third line while seeing secondary power-play time. In that short window, however, Romani was given over 20 minutes per night and responded, posting four points (two goals, two assists) in two games.

Since then, his confidence has followed him back into a more limited role.

After taking time to find his footing early in the season, Romani has erupted offensively, recording 15 of his 23 points over a 13-game stretch. He now sits fourth on the team in scoring — third in goals — with 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists) through 28 games.

His defining trait has remained consistent across every level: an elite release. Romani is a pure shooter. Whether it’s a catch-and-release opportunity or a curl-and-drag that buys him space, he beats goaltenders with precision and deception. His ability to slow the game down and make subtle reads allows his shot to play up, particularly on the rush, where much of his damage comes from. His shot and offensive awareness both translate to the professional game.

In addition to his ability to shoot the puck, Romani also reads the play well. With nine primary assists (out of 12), he shows the ability to read the play and find seams with crisp plays. He’s a dual-threat opportunist, always searching for his next play.

All that said, there are legitimate questions surrounding the rest of his toolkit. He remains a perimeter-oriented player who doesn’t consistently use his frame to win inside positioning. While his skating is passable, it lacks the explosiveness and speed that often set NHL-calibre wingers apart from high-end AHL scorers. As the pace tightens and space disappears, those limitations will be tested.

Still, for a sixth-round pick, this is exactly the type of bet organizations are happy to make.

Romani is an offence-first winger with a defined NHL skill, and that alone keeps his projection alive. The next decision point will be whether he’s ready to test himself at the American League level, or whether another collegiate season — potentially in a more prominent role once older players move on — will allow him to further round out his game before turning pro.

Ceiling: Romani projects as a middle-six NHL winger and power-play contributor whose value is driven by scoring touch and offensive instincts. If paired with complementary linemates and insulated defensively, he has the tools to provide reliable secondary offence.

Floor: An offence-driven winger capable of maintaining scoring relevance at the American League level.

ETA: Romani appears to be on a longer runway. A realistic NHL window sits two to three years away, depending on whether he turns pro after this season or returns to Michigan State for an expanded role.

That’s our #8 spot. Stay tuned for another installment later today here at CanucksArmy.

Our previously ranked prospects: