The New York Rangers had a surprising player make the team this season.
Entering training camp, the Rangers defenseman appeared to be set, but an injury to Carson Soucy opened up the door. With Soucy injured, Matthew Robertson made the roster out of camp and has been an impact player.
Robertson was a second-round pick in 2019 and finally did enough to earn a roster spot in the NHL. Since making the team, Robertson has had success as he’s averaged 17:17 of ice time and has been solid defensively, which got the praise of Sullivan.
“He’s a mobile guy,” Sullivan said. “He has a good stick. I think he has an element of physicality to him. We want him to defend hard, to keep his gaps, and we want his puck possession to be simple and efficient.”
Robertson has recorded 1 goal in 4 games with the Rangers this season. The 6-foot-4 defenseman has earned the trust of Sullivan and the coaching staff and should stick in the lineup, even once Soucy is back.
Robertson is playing alongside Will Borgen on the third pairing.
Rangers Defenseman Impressed With Robertson
New York’s head coach isn’t the only player that Robertson has impressed.
Instead, his former defense partner, Braden Schneider, has been impressed with his play. Schneider knows it’s been a long road to get to the NHL for Robertson, and he’s happy that he’s thriving in the NHL.
“He’s had a long road,” said Schneider. “To see him get the opportunity he’s getting now, it’s awesome. He’s earned it, and I hope he can keep running with it… To see how much he’s developed and how much his confidence has grown I think is awesome. He deserves the opportunity here to play, and I think he’s doing well with it.”
Robertson was a second-round pick in 2019 and made his NHL debut last season, as he played in two games. But, it finally appears that Robertson is a full-time NHL player and will be an impact player for the Rangers.
“He’s always been a really good skater, (is) very skilled, has a good shot and (is) a very smart player,” Schneider added. “Everything is kind of all tied together. His decision-making is really good, and I think his confidence has really grown a lot.”
Robertson Discusses 1st Career NHL Goal
Robertson scored his first career NHL goal on Saturday as the Rangers rallied to beat the Montreal Canadiens.
“It was unbelievable. Hockey Night in Canada is something I grew up watching as a kid,” Robertson said on Saturday. “A lot of nerves coming into it, an electric building, boys came through with a win… I’m just taking it day by day. Been so many games lately, just focusing day-by-day and not looking too far ahead.”
Robertson is excited that he finally has his chance to be an every-game NHL player.
“It’s huge. I put in my time, I feel like I’ve learned a lot about my game and myself, to finally get this opportunity, I’m trying to run with it and get better every day,” Robertson concluded.
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