Matthew Robertson

June 2023 – Robertson, now 22 and in the final year of his current contract, will be heading into a very important season in 2023-24.  After playing in parts of five seasons with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL, the big lefty made the transition to professional hockey with the Rangers’ affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. Robertson just completed his second full season with AHL Hartford, where he more than doubled his point output from his first season in the AHL, posting five goals and 18 assists, compared to one goal and 11 assists the year prior. The hulking defenseman will look to make an impact at new NYR coach Peter Laviolette’s training camp in September, with the hopes of earning a call-up at some point next season. He has an outside chance at making the big club out of camp, but with Zac Jones seemingly ahead of him on the depth chart and two LHD spots locked down in New York, it is more likely that Robertson will be returning to the minors to continue to hone his game.  Brendan Ferry

July 2022 – Robertson appeared in 65 games for the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack in 2021-2022, registering one goal and 10 assists. The hulking defenseman, drafted 49th overall in 2019 by the Rangers, graduated from Edmonton of the WHL after playing in parts of five seasons with the Oil Kings. Robertson, known as a stout defender, managed to put up some good numbers while in the WHL, topped by his 47 points in 60 games played during the 2019-2020 season. The 21-year-old Alberta native will look to build upon his preliminary season at the pro level; Robertson is signed with New York through the 2023-2024 season, when he will become an RFA. Facing a ton of competition and depth on the blueline, it would not be shocking to see a player like Robertson dealt this offseason, as the Rangers look to add up front. A smooth skating, six foot four inch defenseman is sure to garner plenty of interest, if the Rangers think about dangling his name out there in trade talks. Brendan Ferry

January 2021 – Robertson has been named to the Rangers taxi squad to begin the 2021 NHL campaign. While this means that his ability to develop will be limited to NHL practice sessions in the short term, it also puts the 19-year0-old defenseman on the short list for an in-game opportunity, should one of the active roster players become unavailable. Brayden Olafson

December 2020 – Robertson was added to the World Junior selection camp roster for team Canada and will be vying for a spot on the final roster. Canada’s defense will be very deep at this tournament and Robertson will not be given any concessions to make the team based on his age or experience. Brayden Olafson

January 2020 – Matthew Robertson hasn’t taken a massive step forward in his offense through his draft+1 campaign, however, the Oil Kings blueliner has been one of the team’s most all-around valuable players in an effort that has them atop the WHL. While Robertson’s focus may have shifted from draft boosting production, the raw skills that make him a good NHL prospect remain on a healthy trajectory. A deep run into the WHL playoffs and possibly even the Memorial Cup could instill a deeper desire to win in the 18-year-old, who is likely still two or three years away from an NHL opportunity. Brayden Olafson

June 2019 – Robertson was a young leader on a strong Edmonton Oil King’s roster in the season approaching his first eligible draft. The sizeable blueliner is powerful and intimidating, but his play goes far beyond his size. The Edmonton native shows the poise and the team-first attitude of a veteran defender. His decision making is impeccable on most nights and done at a speed that will suit a professional league. A milestone to monitor will be Robertson challenging for a roster spot on Canada’s World Junior squad for January of 2020. He projects to be a top-4 defender at the NHL level with moderate offensive upside. Brayden Olafson