Blue Line Station
Fansided

A review of the Rangers’ 2019 draft class one year later

By Will Wright

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 27: Kaapo Kakko #24 of the New York Rangers skates against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at the Bell Centre on February 27, 2020 in Montreal, Canada. The New York Rangers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 27: Kaapo Kakko #24 of the New York Rangers skates against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at the Bell Centre on February 27, 2020 in Montreal, Canada. The New York Rangers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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New York Rangers
Matthew Robertson #22 of the Edmonton Oil Kings (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images) /

Round 2: # 49 – Matthew Robertson, LHD, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

Robertson was viewed as a first round prospect the entire 2018-19 season and finished 25th on Bob McKenzie’s final draft board, which is an aggregate ranking from NHL scouts. His slip to the bottom half of the second round was very surprising, to say the least. Robertson is a 6’3″ smooth-skating defenseman who can play on both the power play and the penalty kill.

Robertson had a strong training camp with the Rangers and was signed to an entry-level contract before being assigned to the Oil Kings, who play in the CHL’s Western Hockey League. Robertson had a strong season anchoring the blue line of one of the CHL’s top teams, and managed to put up 47 points in 60 games. He is also a very strong candidate to make the Canadian World Junior team this coming season.

Robertson is a tough pick to evaluate. The value of getting a first round talent late in the second round is tremendous, particularly when you consider the debacle of 2018 when the Rangers used the 39th pick to select goaltender Olof Lindbom ahead of several gifted forwards. Robertson improved this season and played well in a major role, so that is another thumbs up.

He fills a clear need the Rangers have as a left-sided defenseman with a top four pairing upside, so another thumbs up. But three picks later the Toronto Maple Leafs selected forward Nick Robertson, who has developed into an elite goal scorer and a top ten prospect in the league (it was very confusing when I got the notification that the Rangers had selected a “Robertson”). Still, the selection of Matthew Robertson was very good value and fills a need, so:

Thumbs up for Gorton.

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