While there isn’t a lot of dynamic type skill in Robertson’s game, he has the makings of an excellent two-way defender. He has elements of his game that could make him an elite defender in his own zone that moves pucks quickly.
I don’t see a huge offensive upside in his game, but I do like his potential to shut down top players and transition the puck up the ice. Should be an effective fourth defender who plays hard minutes both at 5-on-5 and on the penalty kill.
| Matthew Robertson | 2019 Draft Eligible |
|---|---|
| Position: D, Shoots L | H/W: 6-4", 201 lbs |
| Stats to date (GP-G-A-PTS-PIMS) | Edmonton Oil Kings, WHL (52-7-26-33-26) |
Matthew Robertson of the Edmonton Oil Kings. Photo courtesy of the WHL.
Skating: Robertson has very good agility for a big man and is able to make quick movements to create space. His top speed is average, but he is so positionally sound that he rarely gets beat in a one on one or footrace situations. He has good edges as he starts plays with purpose. His backwards skating is fine and his lateral movement along the blue line is very acute. His feet are always moving which enables him to cover for his lack of high-end speed. Grade: 55
Shot: He has a wrist shot that can beat a goalie from the circle, but he isn’t a natural shooter. He has a good slap shot from the point, but he doesn’t shoot enough to be a goal scoring defender. Occasionally, he will carry the puck in close where he has a sneaky little backhander that he can elevate quickly. His shot mechanics are a little slow, so defenders are able to jump in front of it regularly if they are pressuring him. Grade: 50
Skills: He manages gaps as well as any defender I have seen this year. He can close quickly and yet give enough space that he almost never gets beaten wide by a player with speed. His passing skills are very good but not particularly flashy. He doesn’t stretch the game with long passes, but he is excellent exiting the zone with sound, smart plays. He has good hands and can corral hard passes while maintaining his skating stride. He isn’t a player that takes guys on one on one or anything of that nature, but he carries the puck with confidence and makes crisp passes approaching the opposition blue line. Defensively he is very sound has an active stick with which he can neutralize opposing rushes. Grade: 55
Smarts: There are subtle things that Robertson does on the ice that show he is in total control of the game in front of him. He manages odd man rushes very well and is able to pressure the puck and protect the pass better than most. He rarely is caught out of position and is able to anticipate where the puck is going. His gap control and reads are his best traits as he is a force and stops teams by stepping up at his own blue line. On the rare times he is caught out he quickly gets back into the rotation and picks up the right man. Grade: 60
Physicality: Robertson can be a physically imposing player, but he doesn’t always play that way. When he does, he controls the front of his net, the back boards and opposing blue line as well as anyone. He blocks shots and will physically battle for his time and space. He could play with a bit more of an edge, but he is physical and very effective at using his body to separate his man from the puck. Grade: 60
Overall Future Projection (OFP): 56.5