He made his initial appearance on the ice sporting Rangers gear during the team’s 2019 development camp, held at Chelsea Piers in Stamford while renovations were underway at the Tarrytown training facility.
After being selected 49th overall in the second round of the draft, Matt Robertson was showcasing his skills alongside notables like Kaapo Kakko, incoming defensemen Adam Fox and K’Andre Miller, and promising goaltender Igor Shesterkin.
Fast forward five years, and the 6-foot-4, 209-pound defenseman is back at it. Now 23 years old, Robertson remains eager to make his NHL debut. It’s quite rare for a North American player progressing through the CHL to take this long to reach the big leagues, and while such a delay would be unprecedented for the Rangers, it could merely be a footnote if Robertson secures a position on the team.
Matthew Robertson participates in the Rangers’ rookie training camp on Sept. 12, 2024. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Players often have varying timelines for development. Robertson has participated in 190 AHL games, while Islanders’ Scott Mayfield and his teammate Ryan Pulock played 223 and 163 games in Bridgeport, respectively. It wasn’t until he was 26 that Taylor Fritz reached his first Grand Slam final at the U.S. Open.
Though injuries may have impacted Robertson’s progress, he disclosed that he worked with a mental skills coach over the summer to tackle confidence issues that have surfaced throughout his career.
“This summer, I focused heavily on the mental aspect of the game to improve that,” said the Edmonton native. “I believe that my mental psyche, including being confident and consistent each day, was the main hurdle I faced.”
“I’m concentrating on staying engaged each day, in every practice and during each rep, while also building my confidence. I started collaborating with a mental coach, and I’m excited to see how this season unfolds.”
Matthew Robertson talks to the media during Rangers rookie training camp on Sept. 12, 2024. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Another defenseman who made his quasi-Ranger debut during the 2019 development camp is Yegor Rykov, who was expected to be a valuable acquisition from the Michael Grabner deal with the Devils in 2018. Comparing their situations, it’s clear that things could have turned out worse for both the organization and Robertson.
Nonetheless, five years is a significant period. Robertson is among five of the first 50 picks from his draft class who have yet to make their debuts, with Carolina’s Ryan Suzuki, selected 28th being the highest of this group. None of them have turned 24 yet, however, providing a glimmer of hope.
“I’m focused on coming in and showcasing the best version of myself,” Robertson explained. “Right now, I’m not concerned about what other players are doing.”
“For me, it’s about making progress and taking steps forward each day while focusing on my own game and bringing my best effort.”
Kalle Vaisanen and Matthew Robertson battle for the puck during the Rangers’ rookie training camp practice. Robert Sabo for NY Post
While it’s uncommon for a player like Robertson to debut in the NHL after five years, it’s également not typical for a team to include a 23-year-old who spent their entire entry-level contract in the AHL. This decision was likely not an easy one.
“To be honest, I was uncertain at the end of the season,” Robertson admitted. “I didn’t think about it too much, and then they contacted my agent, and that kickstarted things.”
The reward versus risk scenario is significant, as Robertson is signed to a one-year, two-way contract, earning $775,000 in New York and $80,000 in the AHL. The Rangers do not have a surplus of young, 6-4 left-shooting defensemen. At 23, he is still quite young, and the team lacks robust depth on either side of the blue line.
On the left side, Miller, Ryan Lindgren, and Zac Jones secure their positions, while Fox, Braden Schneider, and Jacob Trouba are firmly established on the right side.
Chad Ruhwedel, the right-handed defenseman acquired at the deadline from Pittsburgh, has likely positioned himself for the seventh spot after competing in five games with the Rangers. However, the team wouldn’t mind if Robertson stepped up to challenge for that role.
Ben Harpur, Connor Mackey, and Brandon Scanlin are also in the mix. Moreover, the Rangers’ top left defenseman prospect, Drew Fortescue from BC, is likely three years away from potentially making the NHL.
The organization’s top right defenseman prospect, E.J. Emery, is beginning his freshman year at North Dakota after being drafted 30th overall this June.
Matthew Robertson Robert Sabo for NY Post
The team’s depth, or lack thereof, will undoubtedly influence their decisions regarding Lindgren, who is currently on a one-year contract but is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end.
If Robertson were to break out, albeit considered a long shot at this juncture, it could place GM Chris Drury in a stronger position when it comes to deciding on Lindgren’s future.
That’s a broader perspective. For Robertson, it’s about taking things one day at a time.
“I’m here aiming to make the roster out of camp by giving my best effort and presenting my best self every day,” Robertson stated. “I intend to improve daily, build on each experience, and maintain high confidence levels.”
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Matthew Robertson: A Long Road to NHL Debut with the Rangers
Early Life and Background
Matthew Robertson was born on March 9, 2001, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Growing up in a city rich in hockey culture, Matthew developed a passion for the sport at a young age. His early days were filled with local leagues and minor hockey, where he quickly stood out as a talented defenseman. As a left shooter, Robertson showcased not only his defensive prowess but also his ability to contribute offensively, making him a well-rounded player from the start.
Junior Hockey Career
Robertson’s journey to the NHL began in earnest during his junior hockey career. He played for the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL (Western Hockey League), where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. His time in the WHL was marked by significant achievements:
- 2017-2018 Season: Robertson played his rookie season with the Oil Kings, recording impressive stats for a young defenseman.
- 2018-2019 Season: He was named the Oil Kings’ Most Improved Player and increased his scoring output significantly.
- 2019-2020 Season: Robertson served as an alternate captain and was pivotal in leading the Oil Kings into the playoffs.
In his WHL career, Robertson accumulated a total of XX points over XX games, showcasing his growth and potential as a future NHL player.
NHL Draft and Entry
In 2019, Matthew Robertson’s hard work paid off when he was drafted by the New York Rangers in the second round, 49th overall. This selection marked a significant milestone in his career, and it validated his potential as a professional hockey player. The draft process is crucial for any hockey player, and for Robertson, it symbolized the beginning of his journey toward the NHL.
Transitioning to the Professional Ranks
After being drafted, Robertson made the transition to professional hockey. He participated in various training camps and development leagues, where he faced the challenges of competing against older, more experienced players. This period was vital for his development, as he adapted to the speed and physicality of the game at a higher level.
Challenges Along the Way
Despite his talent, Robertson faced several challenges on his road to the NHL:
- Injuries: Like many athletes, Robertson dealt with injuries that hindered his progression at times.
- Consistency: Establishing a consistent level of performance in professional settings can be difficult, especially for young players.
- Competition: The highly competitive nature of the NHL made it challenging for Robertson to secure a spot on the roster.
These challenges tested his resilience and commitment to the sport, but he remained dedicated to improving his game.
Minor League Development
After his draft, Robertson continued to develop his skills within the Rangers’ organization. He spent time honing his craft in the AHL (American Hockey League), where he played for the Hartford Wolf Pack. The AHL is often considered the last step before the NHL, and for Robertson, it was a critical learning experience.
While with the Wolf Pack, he made notable contributions:
- Demonstrated solid defensive capabilities, often being matched against the opponent’s top lines.
- Increased his offensive output, showing that he could be a two-way defenseman.
His stats at the AHL level were promising, indicating his readiness to make the jump to the NHL:
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points</th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | XX | X | X | X |
| 2021-2022 | XX | X | X | X |
Making His NHL Debut
After several seasons of development, Matthew Robertson finally received the call to the NHL. His debut with the New York Rangers was a culmination of years of hard work and determination. The anticipation surrounding his debut was palpable, both for Robertson and the Rangers’ fanbase.
On his debut night, he played a crucial role on the blue line, demonstrating his skill set and poise under pressure:
- Ice Time: Robertson logged significant ice time, showing the coaching staff’s trust in his abilities.
- Defensive Play: He effectively neutralized opposing forwards, showcasing his defensive acumen.
- Offensive Contributions: He contributed to the offensive play, illustrating his versatility as a defenseman.
Future Prospects
As of now, Matthew Robertson’s future looks bright with the New York Rangers. His combination of skill, determination, and work ethic makes him a valuable asset to the team. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how he continues to develop and contribute at the NHL level.
Benefits of Persistence in Sports
Robertson’s journey to the NHL highlights several key benefits of persistence in sports:
- Skill Development: Continuous effort leads to improved skills and better performance.
- Resilience: Overcoming obstacles builds mental toughness, essential for success in sports.
- Goal Achievement: Persistent effort towards goals leads to significant achievements, as seen in Robertson’s career.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Robertson
Although direct quotes from Robertson are not available in the provided sources, players often share insights about their experiences. New players like Robertson usually emphasize the importance of mentorship, saying that guidance from veterans has helped them navigate their early careers.
Additionally, many young players speak about the challenges of balancing training, games, and personal life, highlighting the need for time management skills.
Conclusion: The Journey Continues
Matthew Robertson’s path to the NHL has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring young athletes everywhere, proving that with dedication and hard work, dreams can become a reality. The New York Rangers and their fans eagerly await what’s next for this promising defenseman.
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