Twelve former Kelowna Rockets players have earned spots on NHL Opening Night rosters for the 2023-24 regular season.
Below is the list of Rockets on rosters by team:
Calgary Flames: Mikael Backlund, Dillon Dube
Columbus Blue Jackets: Damon Severson
Dallas Stars: Jamie Benn
Edmonton Oilers: Leon Draisaitl
Nashville Predators: Tyson Barrie, Colton Sissons, Luke Schenn
Ottawa Senators: Rourke Chartier
Vancouver Canucks: Tyler Myers
Washington Capitals: Lucas Johansen
Winnipeg Jets: Josh Morrissey
In addition to the twelve players, Nolan Foote is on the New Jersey Devils injured list. Shea Weber, who is still under contract to the Arizona Coyotes, has been placed on the long-term injured reserve.
In total, a WHL-leading 14 Rockets are on rosters.
A number of former Rockets attended NHL camps but were either re-assigned or waived and will now join their respective NHL clubs' farm team. Those players include:
Talyn Boyko (New York/Cincinnati), Colton Dach (Chicago/Rockford), Alex Swetlikoff (Vegas/Henderson), Kaden Korczak (Vegas/Henderson), Dillon Hamaliuk (Pittsburgh/Wilkes-Barre Scranton), Lassi Thomson (Ottawa/Belleville), Devante Stephens (Tampa Bay/Syracuse), Cal Foote (New Jersey/Utica), Kole Lind (Seattle/Coachella Valley), Justin Kirkland (Arizona/Tucson), Gage Quinney (Vegas/Henderson).
A total of twelve former Kelowna Rockets players are on NHL Opening Night rosters for the 2023-24 season!