Frontenacs acquire Lightning prospect Roman Schmidt
The Kingston Frontenacs made a big addition to their blueline on Tuesday, acquiring overage Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Roman Schmidt from the Kitchener Rangers.
Kingston sent a second-round pick in 2026 (Saginaw’s) and third-round pick in 2027 (Windsor’s) back to Kitchener, adding the 6-foot-5, 216Ib. defender to their depth chart.
“Schmidt is a towering, right-shot defenceman 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.”
Tampa Bay’s third-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, Schmidt started the season with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch, recording an assist in his lone game before being reassigned to Kitchener. In 14 games with the Rangers, he’s put up four assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-4.
“Off the ice, Roman’s experience brings a lot to our team,” Cooper continued. “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.”
A. 20-year-old native of Midland, Mich., Schmidt was a member of the 2019 OHL Cup champion Don Mills Flyers, playing alongside such names as former Frontenacs Shane Wright and Francesco Arcuri along with other high-end prospects in Brandt Clarke and Brennan Othmann.
“This was an extremely difficult decision to trade Roman,” said Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie. “He has been an integral part of our team for the last couple of years. Unfortunately, time is running out on keeping our four overage players, and at some point, something had to give, or we could risk losing a quality player for nothing. This will give all four over-aged players a chance to play big roles on their respective teams. We wish Roman the best of luck in Kingston this year and in his professional hockey journey after this year.”
Schmidt will join the Frontenacs for practice on Wednesday ahead of a Thursday night trip to Peterborough to take on the Petes.
Loading ...