Jacob Rombach – Towering Talent with First-Round Potential
By TheProspectDon
Jacob Rombach stands out the moment he steps on the ice, literally. At 6’6”, the left-handed defenseman has size, poise, and the kind of raw potential that has NHL scouts paying close attention. Committed to the University of Minnesota, he’ll be joining fellow towering blueliner Maceo Philips with the Golden Gophers. The two are close friends, and I had the chance to catch up with both at the NHL Scouting Combine.
Rombach comes across as remarkably grounded for a player with his tools. He has a quiet confidence and deep appreciation for his development journey. As my friend and scout Sebastian High put it: “His retrieval game is one of the best among D in this class.” When I asked Jacob what’s helped him excel in that area, he credited his coaches:
“Working with my coaches from Spring Lake Park and now Lincoln with our D coach Art Bray. We did a lot of retrievals and skill drills—making sure you get the two shoulder checks. We always say you try to get one, but if you can get two, it increases the retrieval rate by like 50 percent. So yeah, just getting your shoulder checks so then you can see everything behind you.”
When asked for an NHL player comparison, Jacob named Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brady Skjei:
“Yep, Brady Skjei. I’d say we both are pretty similar.”
His five-year plan reflects his focus and humility:
“Obviously go to Minnesota for three years, then make it to the AHL and hopefully NHL by the end of the five years. But if that happens a little later, I’d be cool with that.”
He also has a clear passion for staying involved in the game long-term:
“I’d want to be a coach. I’ve actually thought about that. If I didn’t make it to the NHL, I’d either want to coach or go into sales, I’m into that too.”
And to his fans?
“Just thank you for all the support. Keep supporting me over the next couple of years on my journey, hopefully to the NHL someday.”
I’ve spoken to dozens of NHL draft prospects this year, and Jacob Rombach left one of the strongest impressions. He’s a thoughtful, driven, and genuinely kind young man. His combination of elite defensive instincts, massive reach, and off ice character makes him a strong candidate to sneak into the first round. The Golden Gophers landed a gem following Sam Rinzel, and with Rombach and Philips patrolling the blue line, Minnesota’s future on defense looks rock solid.
Jacob Rombach to me could be a surprising pick to be drafted in the first round. With his size, skill and upside I think he could be a really great defender in the NHL and am excited to see where this bright and humble young man will land.