2026 NHL Draft Profile: Rowan Guest
Position: Defence | Height: 6’5″ | Weight: 209 lbs | Shoots: Left | Date of Birth: January 31, 2006 | Hometown: Saskatoon, SK, CAN
Rowan Guest’s 2025–26 season was defined by one thing above all else: a massive leap forward. The 20-year-old defenceman from Saskatoon went from 10 points in 64 games the year before to 25 points in 64 games this season, the same number of games played, more than double the output, while anchoring the Rockets’ top pair and averaging 20 minutes and 11 seconds of ice time per night.
At 6’5″ and 209 pounds, Guest commands presence in the defensive zone. He finishes checks, wins board battles, and manages traffic in front of his goaltender with discipline and consistency. Neutral Zone Scouting described him as a player who “defends with discipline and reliability, making effective plays at the blue line,” while also showing “patience and poise with the puck” and the ability to make steady passes to exit the zone under pressure.
The offensive growth this season came from an improved read of the game knowing when to jump, when to hold, and how to support possession without overcommitting. Twenty-four assists from the back end on a Memorial Cup host team reflect a defenceman who understands his role and continues to expand it.
Guest carried his regular season form into the playoffs, posting four points in nine games before suiting up for three Memorial Cup appearances.
He could potentially hear his name called on June 26-27 in Buffalo at the 2026 NHL Draft.
2025–26 Regular Season: 64 GP | 1 G | 24 A | 25 PTS | 99 PIM | +25 | Playoffs: 9 GP | 1 G | 3 A | 4 PTS | 8 PIM | Memorial Cup: 3 GP | 0 G | 0 A | 0 PTS | Average TOI: 20:11 per game
