What Matthew Robertson’s expansion means for the Rangers’ Blue Line – Hockey Writer – Rangers’ Prospects

On June 20, the New York Rangers and pending restricted free agent (RFA) Matthew Robertson reached an agreement on a two-year extension with an average annual interest value of $775,000 (AAV). The deal is a two-way contract for the first year and a one-way contract for the second year. Robertson, a 2019 second-round draft pick, made his NHL debut against the Florida Panthers, who teamed up with Adam Fox. Robertson played two games with the Rangers and didn’t score, but he was 3. He played 60 games for Hartford Wolf Pack, leading Hartford All Hartford Defensemen with 25 points, 1 goal and 24 assists.

Four years in Hartford

Robertson spent four seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL), winning 80 points in 251 games. He plays an increasingly larger role in Hartford every season. His 6-foot-4 and 211 pounds brings size and mobility to contribute on both sides of the ice. He performed a lot of time evenly last season and killed Hartford’s free throws.

Robertson has limited opportunities at the NHL level so far, but he has been gaining trust in Hartford and winning this extension that will give him a chance to prove that he belongs to him. The second year’s one-way structure suggests that the Wanderer believes he will be part of future plans.

Left side transition

The Rangers’ left side is reportedly changing as Ryan Lindgren trades to the Colorado Avalanche, and K’Andre Miller trades in the trade block. Urho Vaakanainen and Carson Soucy are in the contract, while Zac Jones is still RFA. If Miller is traded, Robertson will be the real avenue for NHL teams next season. Robertson will join in training camp for the third pair or seventh defender. Depending on how the lineup swings, Rangers can also see him as a potential companion to Fox. If he doesn’t drive the team out of training camp, he might start at Hartford, but remains the highest appeal option.

Drury’s Wise Action

This expansion was a wise move by Rangers general manager Chris Drury, which fits very neatly into his broader approach to reshaping the lineup. Bringing Robertson back with the team in Transition and Hat Space Ltd. is a low-risk way to maintain organizational depth. He spent more than 250 games in Hartford, learned about the system and won the trust of the Wolf Pack coaching staff.

Related: The biggest free agency demand for the New York Rangers

Drury has made several high-profile deals during the offseason, apparently hoping to create flexibility while meeting the demand area. Keeping players like Robertson doesn’t lose future assets and a stable option can be maintained if injured or roster changes open positions. If Robertson brings together a powerful camp, he will immediately become a valuable work for the Rangers next season.

Robertson’s Opportunity

Robertson’s new contract is unlikely to make headlines, but such a move can quietly pay off throughout the season. The rangers had real uncertainty on the left side of the defense, and Robertson merged. He will have a chance to compete for a place in the camp, and he has won that.

Robertson was working at Hartford at the age of 24, registering for 250 games and becoming a key piece in the back end. His development is not flashy, but it has been stable. The wanderers know what’s inside them. Whether he breaks camp with the team or not, he is now at the top of the call list, possibly a deal that is injured or away from regular roles. This is a clean, low-risk decision at the front desk. For Robertson, proving that he belongs to the NHL is a noteworthy shot.