Das, was ich dort (in Zug, Anm.) spielen darf, ist nicht selbstverständlich und war in Zürich nicht der Fall.
His role in the team had also changed. He saw hardly any power-play action, his penalty-killing ice time dropped as well, and prospects of a top-six forward spot were almost non-existent.
A bigger role in Zug
A change of scenery was needed. Deciding on Zug has paid off completely so far.
Rohrer averages over 17 minutes of ice time per game, is a vital part of the offense, and is given responsibility both on special teams and in all game situations.
That trust isn't just reflected in the numbers. His play also looks lighter on its feet and more efficient. "It's certainly a different role in Zug," Rohrer attributes it to. "What I'm allowed to play there isn't something to take for granted, and it wasn't the case in Zurich."
Ice hockey is a mental game. "When you get confidence, a lot of things start clicking. I really appreciate being in Zug," the national team forward says, visibly happy.
Why Zug offered the better outlook
Why it was difficult to get those opportunities in Zurich is easily explained: "Because, among others, with Andrighetto and Malgin, they're always stacked."
Zug boasts big names as well. However, at the three-time Swiss champions, the chance for more ice time was greater for Rohrer—provided he performed. And he does.
"So far, I'm able to bring a lot of what I have to the ice and I'm doing a good job. That was one of the main reasons I went to Zug. Playing those positions and continuing to develop really appealed to me," he explains.
Wearing the "A" at 22
Furthermore, the winger was brought into the leadership group and serves as one of the alternate captains.
"That means a lot to me," he says proudly, adding candidly: "At first it was surprising, a bit overwhelming. I'm only 22, one of the younger players on the team, and then being part of leadership meetings—that's definitely a learning process as well."
Communication within the team about how Rohrer would fulfill this role was particularly important. "I can give my input, which is also appreciated. I've now received the reassurance that it's okay. It's a cool position."
Rohrer clears up rumors
However, the transfer to Zug also had its downsides.
Ein paar Sachen haben mich schon verwirrt, das tun sie noch immer.
The Swiss media made a huge deal out of it, writing about a "princely salary" that Rohrer was allegedly set to earn in Zug. Before that, reports claimed talks with HC Davos were at an advanced stage.
Zug's new sports director, Ted Suihkonen, was also said to have personally visited Rohrer in his home town. "No, that's not true," he firmly denies the rumor. "Like so many things in the summer, that was total fiction."
Reports didn't leave Rohrer unaffected
Rohrer had never generated so many headlines in Switzerland before. "Handling all of that properly was definitely a learning curve," he admits.
The reports didn't leave him unfazed. "Then you ask yourself: How do I handle this? You can't control many things. A few items did confuse me, and they still do."
The winger wants to draw the right lessons from it. "I've certainly learned new things. Naturally, you can look at that in a positive light too."
Is the NHL dream still alive?
And then there's the topic of the NHL. Is the dream still alive?
"A lot of thoughts revolve around that in my head, especially over the summer. Right now, I'm playing a season in Zug, and then I'll see," the Vorarlberg native says, keeping his cards close to his chest.
Ich bin neben dem Eis momentan echt gut drauf und habe eine große Neugier und Motivation, besser zu werden.
Contact with Montreal remains intact, with regular phone calls taking place. His entry-level contract with the Canadiens runs through 2028, and in the spring, Rohrer made his first North American appearances with their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket.
"It's not completely written off," the winger eventually lets slip.
Curiosity, motivation, and a wish
However, his focus has long been on the here and now—where Rohrer can control things himself and currently feels very comfortable. "I'm in a really good place off the ice right now, and I have a great deal of curiosity and motivation to get better."
He hopes to "still be just as curious" at the end of the season. That feeling is very important to him. "If I can keep that going for longer, that would be wonderful. My wish is for that feeling to still be there at the end of the season."
The rest will take care of itself.
