Frontenacs acquire overage defenseman Roman Schmidt from Rangers
The Kingston Frontenacs have completed a trade with the Kitchener Rangers to acquire overage defenseman Roman Schmidt for a pair of OHL Priority selections.
Kingston Receives:
Roman Schmidt – RD
Kitchener Receives:
2nd Rd Pick – 2026 (SAG)
3rd Rd Pick – 2027 (WSR)
Schmidt was born in Midland, MI, but is a dual citizen of Canada and the US. The 6’ 5”, 216 lbs. defenseman was originally drafted by the Kitchener Rangers as a second-round pick in 2019. He spent two seasons with the US National Team Development Program before reporting to the Rangers for the 2021-22 season. In 146 regular season OHL games, Schmidt has scored 15 goals and 50 assists. He has also appeared in 21 playoff games registering 7 points.
“Schmidt is a towering, right shot defenseman that brings a lot of experience to our team. He is used to playing in a top four pairing and can play on both sides of special teams.” said GM Kory Cooper. “Roman is a player that brings a physical presence to a game, and he has been counted on in the past to play shut down minutes when his team is protecting a lead.”
The Tampa Bay Lightning selected Schmidt in the 3rd round of the 2021 NHL Entry draft. He signed an entry level contract with the Lightning in December of that year.
Following the Rangers playoff exit in 2023, the Lightning reassigned Schmidt to Syracuse in the AHL to join their playoff run. Roman began the 2023-24 season with the Crunch appearing in one game where he recorded his first professional point.
Cooper continued “Off the ice, Roman’s experience brings a lot to our team. He has seen success in the playoffs at the OHL level, appearing in the second round in both of his OHL seasons. As part of the Lightning organization, he has taken part in NHL camps, exhibition games, and made his professional debut in the AHL earlier this season. Being able to share with our younger players what it takes to win at this level, and to reach the next level, is an asset.”
Schmidt is expected to arrive in Kingston this evening and join the team for practice tomorrow afternoon. The Frontenacs head to Peterborough on Thursday to conclude a four-game road stretch before returning to Leon’s Centre on Friday night to host the Niagara IceDogs at 7 PM. Tickets are available at www.kingstonfrontenacs.com.