After dropping a bit last year, Roman Schmidt is back on the rise among Lightning prospects. After his first season in Syracuse, could he be on the shortlist to make his NHL debut this season?
| Name | Roman Schmidt |
| Position | Defenseman (Right-shot) |
| Age (as of October 1) | 22 |
| Height/Weight | 6’5″, 218 lbs. |
| Expected 2024-25 Team | Syracuse Crunch |
| Draft – Year, Round | 2021, 3rd Round (96) |
| Previous Rankings | 20 (2024), 16 (2023), 16 (2022) |
| Justin G. Ranking | 13 |
| Final Rank | 12 |
Stats:
Our Thoughts:
Is this the year? It seems like Lightning fans have been waiting forever for Roman Schmidt. When he signed his entry-level contract in December of 2021, just months after being drafted, it seemed like the defenseman was on an accelerated track to professional hockey. Instead, he stayed in Kitchener (and then Kingston) for a couple of extra years. Finally, at age 21, he made the leap last season.
He appeared in 49 games for the Crunch last season, recording 3 goals and 2 assists. While the offensive numbers aren’t gaudy, his steady improvement on the ice led the team to name him the Eastern Shore Insurance Agency “Most Improved Player” Award. And, let’s face it, he’s never going to be Cale Makar on the ice.
What he is going to be, is a tough son of a gun to play against. That attribute was on full display at this year’s prospect showcase as Nashville’s Ryder Rolston found out the hard way:
From the game broadcast, here’s the hit that #GoBolts prospect Roman Schmidt against the wall that led to Aiden Foster’s tying goal. Joel Bouchard said Schmidt’s improved physicality last season in AHL Syracuse made him the Crunch’s most improved player. pic.twitter.com/78zHHcCEAb
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) September 13, 2025
Highlight-reel hits aside, Schmidt was a physical presence in the showcase all weekend long. Whether it was keeping the front of the crease clear, or helping to calm down any post-whistle shenanigans, Schmidt was constantly involved. There was also a confidence to his game that hasn’t been displayed before in previous showcases or training camps.
That’s carried over to training camp and his lone appearance in a preseason game (also against Nashville). He logged 4 hits in his 13 minutes of ice-time while also blocking a couple of shots. That is what he brings to the ice. A physical force that uses his size to influence the game. That force can get him into trouble at times though as his two penalties in the game attested to. One was a roughing call on Filip Forsberg (in retaliation to a hit Forsberg threw) and the other was a cross-checking call against Brady Martin.
Has his play improved enough to earn a spot on the Lightning roster out of training camp? The answer is probably not. There are still a couple of players ahead of him on the depth chart in that battle for seventh defenseman, but he’s getting a lot closer with the camp he’s had so far. While he might not make the roster in October, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility that he sees his name on the recall report when Erik Cernak has his annual three-or-four game injury.
If one had to compare styles of play, Cernak’s comes pretty close to Schmidt with the youngster having the potential to be a little better due to his skating. Schmidt isn’t a blazer up and down the ice, but for a 6’5″, 218 lb. player, he is nimble enough in tight areas. His footwork is could use a little improvement and players that attack him directly with speed can trouble him, but his ability to read plays is a big asset in countering that.
Unlike some of the other large defensemen in the Lightning system, he isn’t subtle about using his size. While he does use his long reach to disrupt passing lanes, and his large frame to pin players up against the boards, he also uses it to assertively end plays. There is an edge to his game that will rile up opposing fans and make opponents question their decision to carry the puck into the zone on his side of the ice.
This year will be a big one for him in regards to finding the line between physical and reckless as the skill level he faces improves. Wrecking 17-year-olds in junior hockey who skate with their heads down is a lot easier than throwing hip-checks on savvy 23-year-old first-round draft picks. Schmidt can’t afford to hurt his team by taking himself out of position trying big hits, or leaving them short-handed because he took an unnecessary retaliation penalty.
That’s the improvement the coaching staff is looking for in Syracuse this year. If he can find that line and maintain it (for the most part) he could have a Cernak-esque career in the NHL. It’s also worth noting that this is the final year of this entry-level deal. That gives the Lightning a little more freedom in moving him up and down as he is waivers exempt, but it also gives him some motivation to perform in order to earn the best possible offer as a restricted free agents.
Highlight Videos:
Andrew Perrott drops the gloves with Roman Schmidt in an entertaining tilt! pic.twitter.com/2x3k6n9xUK
— Bears Hockey Nation (@HBHNationBlog) April 16, 2025
We usually shy away from fights as highlights in these parts, but this was a pretty good tilt. It also illustrates the fine line Schmidt has to walk. The hit that led to the fight was late. Way late. Either he has to initiate contact sooner or wait for a better opportunity to land a hit like that.
Okay Schmidty!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ySEtD55wIM
— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) April 2, 2025
Here he makes a nice read on the play and jumps into the zone to get to the loose puck. Knowing that the goaltender was the one that last played it, he quickly flung it on net, hoping to catch him before he could get set. The play was simple, but effective.
Tonight's @OneGroupIns Insurance Goal is brought to you by Roman Schmidt! pic.twitter.com/tO0pT1HsKF
— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) December 28, 2024
Again, there is no need to make things harder than they have to be. He sees traffic in front of the net and snaps a shot toward the net. That’s pretty much the offense a team is going to get out of Schmidt. He has a decent shot, but isn’t going to be rocketing howitzers from the blue line.
A highlight reel goal sends the teddy bears flying! 🚨🧸 pic.twitter.com/KbFm1qX7Oj
— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) December 15, 2024
Look. Anytime we can use a highlight that ends with teddy bears flying through the air, we’re going to do it. Again, it’s not complicated hockey. Get the puck, get the release off quickly, and let the boys that get paid to score the goals do all of the hard work.
