"Growing up, he was my idol," the Carolina Hurricanes forward prospect said. "You look up to him and you want to see him play."
Stephane Robidas was a solid defenseman who had 258 points (57 goals, 201 assists) points in 937 NHL games. His son is a center with offensive skill.
Selected in the fifth round (No. 147) of the 2021 NHL Draft, Robidas had 82 points (30 goals, 52 assists) in 68 games with Val d'Or of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2021-22.
At development camp, he was under the watchful eye of Hurricanes Director of Forward Development Sergei Samsonov. The former NHL forward credits the family lineage for the maturity in Robidas' game.
"It's the second generation of players, it's the kids from NHL families," Samsonov said. "One thing that stands out with Justin: when we talk about hockey, I don't have to break it down for him because he understands it already. I think that awareness can only come from being mentored by somebody who went through that. It's game awareness. Most kids are still learning but he knows what to do if the team is leading by one or the team is down by one. I truly believe it's probably because of his father."
Robidas agrees that observing his father made a major impact.
"Just growing up in that environment and seeing what he's done off the ice and on the ice has helped me become the player I am," he said. "I remember seeing (Dallas Stars forwards) Mike Modano, Brenden Morrow, Mike Ribeiro. Sometimes going to the practice rink, seeing all the guys and the way they work and they're professional. For sure that helped, growing up in that environment."
At 5-foot-8, 173 pounds, Robidas has a small frame. But Samsonov (5-foot-8, 188 pounds) scored 571 points (235 goals, 336 assists) in 888 NHL games. He can anticipate what Robidas will face on the road to the NHL.
"I think I can relate to limitations," Samsonov said. "He's going to have to find different ways to be effective. I can relate to Justin, and Justin can relate to what I'm seeing on the ice when he plays. But the game has changed quite a bit since I retired (in 2011). We see more and more players, it doesn't matter what size, who thrive in the NHL."
And with his early exposure to the NHL, Robidas sais he's aware that nothing will come easy.
"One part of my game I'm focusing on is the defensive part," he said. "You can put points up in Junior, but it doesn't mean you're going to play in the NHL."
Samsonov said he sees plenty of promise in Robidas' game.
"He's a player that's trending," he said. "He had a great season last year. There's no reason that wouldn't continue next year."
