The Journey to the NHL
The journey to the NHL has not been easy for Matthew Robertson, the promising defenseman for the New York Rangers. Drafted as the 49th overall pick in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft, he spent the following four seasons developing in the American Hockey League (AHL) before finally getting a taste of the big league towards the end of last season. With the Rangers already out of playoff contention, Robertson was called up to play in the last two games, where he managed three shots on goal and posted a +3 rating.
Opportunity and Growth
This offseason saw significant changes to the Rangers’ defensive lineup, opening up a slot for Robertson as an extra defenseman at the start of the current season. A series of injuries and less-than-stellar performances from others allowed him to quickly transition into a more prominent role. The 24-year-old has embraced the chance to prove himself.
“I’ve waited a long time for this,” Robertson shared with Mollie Walker of the New York Post. “I came into camp not knowing what to expect and I’m just grateful for the opportunity. I’m trying to make the most of every chance I get and get better each day.”
Making an Impact
So far, his efforts have paid off as he has appeared in the Rangers’ last four games. In a standout performance, Robertson scored his first NHL goal against the Montreal Canadiens, netting a shot from the point to give New York its first lead in the third period. This moment, however, came on the heels of an early misstep in the game—a costly turnover that led to an odd-man rush, resulting in a quick goal for the Canadiens.
Coaching Praise
Rangers’ head coach Mike Sullivan praised Robertson for his ability to rebound from his initial mistake.
“As a young player, sometimes that can affect a guy. What I loved about it is just his response—his ability to shake it off and just play on. Watching him the rest of the night, he was competing and playing hard, it didn’t affect his confidence or swagger,”
Sullivan remarked. If Robertson can maintain this level of self-assurance, he has the potential to secure a permanent spot on the Rangers’ roster in the future.
