Anthony Romani

October 2024 – While Romani’s stats haven’t jumped off the page as much as last year, he has showcased his game at a high level. Through six games, Romani still has his patented quick release and, while fewer shots have found the back of the net, it is still a threat at any time. He has also featured his improved playmaking with three assists. He’s found a way to complement his great shot and create opportunities for teammates by creatively using space. Romani could benefit from improved north-south skating as the season progresses, though his playmaking and instincts in the offensive zone make him a threat as is. Unfortunately, Romani suffered a broken clavicle on October 11 against Erie, putting his strong season on pause. An exact timeline for Romani’s recovery has not been provided, so it is unclear how long he will be on the shelf. Nick Orr

July 2024- Romani has been drafted by Vancouver in the sixth round, 162nd overall. Keith Duggan

April 2024 – Romani’s production this year is a great case study in how much of a difference translatable skill can make at the junior level. Passed over in the 2023 NHL Draft due to his defensive and physical games failing to move the needle, Romani has come back this season like a man on a mission, scoring 58 goals and adding 53 assists for 111 points in only 68 games with the North Bay Battalion. The main difference between last season and this year has been Romani’s defensive improvements and puck-protection mechanics. He’s become near-impossible to knock off pucks and has started blending his pre-existent intelligent passing and heavy shot with great forechecking and cycle work. The offensive tools themselves haven’t improved much, but Romani has surrounded them with translatable tools that allow him to get more puck touches in more dangerous areas. He’s definitely worth a pick-up this time around. Hadi Kalakeche