Ryan O’Rourke

July 2025 –  After the Minnesota Wild did not give O’Rourke a qualifying offer, making him an NHL unrestricted free agent. The Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League signed O’Rourke to a one-year, one-way AHL contract for the 2025-26 season. Mark Henry

June 2025 – O’Rourke has struggled to develop his offensive game in the AHL, raising concerns about his ability to secure meaningful playing time in the NHL in the future. He plays well defensively and has plenty of AHL experience at this point – so he might work as a call-up in 2025-26 if the Wild defensemen get injured. He would also have to earn that call-up over guys like Lambos and David Jiricek, though, so he is not likely the first guy on the call-up list. Ioan Gheordanescu  

June 2023 – O’Rourke experienced his first season in professional hockey during the 2022-23 season where he played for the Iowa Wild of the AHL posting only nine points in 67 games. Historically a more defensive defenceman, O’Rourke had some great offensive production in his final season playing in the OHL during the 2021-22 season as the captain of the Soo Greyhounds. He remains a solid bet to be a bottom-four defender but will need to develop his offensive game at the professional level before getting a shot at the NHL. Nathan Leblanc

June 2022 – O’Rourke had a strong 21-22 season in the OHL, where he captained the Soo Greyhounds for the second straight year. O’Rourke demonstrated an increased offensive facet to his game with 10 goals and 36 assists in 51 games. He followed this up with a dominant performance in the playoffs going over a point-per-game with one goal and 11 assists in only 10 games. Although he will likely start his career in the AHL, O’Rourke will get a strong look at a third-pairing spot to jump straight into the NHL. Nathan Leblanc 

February 2021 – With the OHL still on hold, Ryan O’Rourke has joined the AHL’s Iowa Wild. Sam Happi

October 2020 – O’Rourke was drafted 39th overall by the Wild. O’Rourke is expected to spend two more years in the OHL but could push for an NHL job after that.  Jokke Nevalainen

January 2020 – Ryan O’Rourke was named captain of the Soo Greyhounds in November and it was no shock to people who follow the team as he has been a leader since day one. He has grown into a reliable, do-it-all type defender who can play in any situation that is asked of him. He is a very mature 17-year-old who leads by example. He is a good defensive player who angles opposing players to the outside effectively and has no problem getting into opponent’s faces. His gap control is inconsistent at times but he has been improving over the course of the season and for the most part, he is engaging at the blueline and separating the puck carrier and the puck. His offensive game is still growing but he is an efficient puck mover from the back end and he has a sneaky good shot. His wrist shot finds the net at an above-average rate due to his ability to walk the blueline and change the angle. He excels at identifying space and taking it to make the shot or pass from a more dangerous position on the ice. He is a smart player who understands the game of hockey at a young age who is constantly looking to improve his game. He should be a lock to make the NHL, his role at the next level will be up to him and his development. Tony Ferrari