Rooney, 24, completed his first full professional season in 2016-17, splitting time between New Jersey and Albany (AHL). He made his NHL debut on March 2 at Washington, after signing a one-year, two-way NHL contract with the Devils on February 27, 2017. The left-shooting forward played in four regular-season games with New Jersey and recorded four penalty minutes. He skated in 71 regular-season games for Albany, notching 13 goals and eight assists for 21 points and 39 penalty minutes. Additionally, Rooney had one goal in four 2017 Calder Cup Playoff contests.

The 6-2, 190lb., forward represented the Devils at the 2016 Prospects Challenge in Buffalo, NY and attended the 2016 New Jersey Devils Development Camp. He signed a one-year AHL contract as a free agent on July 5, 2016. Before his professional career, Rooney spent four seasons with Providence College (HE) from 2012 to 2016, where he was a member of the Friars' NCAA Championship team in 2015. Through 144 collegiate games, he scored 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points and 70 penalty minutes. The Canton, MA native earned the Athletic Department's Mal Brown Award in 2016, which is given annually to the male athlete whose career of intercollegiate competition portrayed sportsmanship, courage and honor.