The Tucson Roadrunners announced today that they have inked forward Kevin Rooney to a one‑year contract, a move that adds a seasoned NHL veteran to their roster. Rooney, a 30‑year‑old forward with a decade of professional experience, brings a blend of speed, faceoff proficiency and playoff savvy that the club hopes will translate into a deeper postseason push.
Rooney’s most recent AHL stint saw him record 24 points in 44 games for the Roadrunners during the 2025‑26 season, a performance that aligns with his career‑long consistency in the league. Over 286 AHL appearances with Tucson, Calgary Wranglers, Binghamton Devils and Albany Devils, he has amassed 117 points, including a career‑high 34 points in 71 games with Binghamton during the 2017‑18 campaign.
The forward’s NHL résumé is equally impressive. He has skated in parts of 10 NHL seasons with the Utah Hockey Club, Calgary Flames, New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils, compiling 61 points in 331 career games. His breakout 2020‑21 season with the Rangers saw him set personal bests of eight goals and 14 points in 54 games, while the following year he appeared in a career‑high 70 games for Calgary, contributing 10 points and 14 penalty minutes.
Rooney’s international résumé includes a bronze medal with Team USA at the 2021 IIHF World Championship. In that tournament he logged one assist in ten games while leading all skaters with a 65.2% faceoff win rate, underscoring his value in high‑pressure situations.
What This Means for the Roadrunners
The signing is part of a broader strategy to blend youthful talent with proven NHL experience. General manager John Ferguson emphasized that Rooney’s faceoff dominance and playoff pedigree will complement the team’s younger core, potentially elevating the club’s competitiveness in the Western Conference.
Beyond the stat sheet, Rooney’s leadership qualities were on display during his senior year at Providence College, where he served as team captain. His collegiate career, spanning 2012‑16, laid the groundwork for a professional trajectory that has seen him overcome the undrafted free‑agent route to secure a foothold in the NHL.
Fans can expect Rooney to be a regular presence in the lineup, and his familiarity with the AHL’s travel demands may also help the Roadrunners maintain performance levels during back‑to‑back road trips. As the team looks to build on last season’s progress, the addition of a player with both NHL and international experience could prove pivotal.