DRAFT: Matthew Robertson Prospect Profile

Having already profiled the projected top two picks in the upcoming draft, Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko, we're now taking a look at some players who might be available in the second round.
Position: Defense
Age: 18
Shoots: Left
Height: 6'3''
Weight: 200 lbs
NHL Central Scouting Ranking: #26 among North American skaters

Matthew Robertson is thought of as an intelligent defenseman who can utilize both his size and mobility. With solid speed to go along with good hockey IQ, and great positioning, Robertson is a solid prospect.
As the 26th ranked North American Skater, Robertson also fits into that early second-round range. The Devils have three picks in the second round this year.
"Another mobile defenseman who doesn't possess a ton of flash in his game, Robertson has good two-way skills that have only gotten better as the season has progressed," said Chris Peters of ESPN.
"He's got good skating any way you want to rate it," said one scout, according to The Hockey News. "Do you want to rate it in terms of speed? It's good. Do you want to rate it in terms of agility? It's good. You want to rate it in terms of pivoting and fluidity? It's good."
The Edmonton-born 18-year-old blueliner recently finished his second full season with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League after they were eliminated in the semifinals of the playoffs. He played in 68 regular-season games and finished with 11 goals and 30 assists.
Robertson is an excellent passer, efficiently moving the puck in transition. He can make smart plays from the point while still possessing a rocket of a shot.
"He can start the rush and make sneaky-good passes to his teammates," says Hannah Stuart of TheScore, "[also] using his agility to create shooting lanes. While he may never put up high-end offensive numbers himself, it wouldn't be surprising to see Robertson help drive play."
According to draft prognosticators, Robertson is a two-way player with a team-first attitude and has experience and confidence handling both big minutes and situations. He played internationally this season in the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup Tournament, where he recorded two goals and two assists in five games.
Robertson isn't the flashiest defenseman, and some may even brand him as "old school." He's big and smart, almost always in the right position and very composed. You can have confidence that he'll be an efficient and reliable defender for any team willing to take him.

"HE'S NEARLY UNFLAPPABLE"

"Robertson's best attribute is his confidence and poise. In a word, he's nearly unflappable. He skates well and passes well and has a really impressive shot when he has a chance to use it, but the key to his game at the WHL level is that there's no panic in it. Whether he's leading an offensive rush up the ice or he's defending a two-on-one from the opposition, he doesn't make a lot of mistakes and there's no jumpiness in his game - and that calm often spreads to his teammates and helps them get through rough spots." - Ryan Pike of The Hockey Writers