'He's something else': Jason Robertson continues to elevate his game

It's easy to like Jason Robertson.
The 22-year-old forward is big (6-3, 200 pounds), talented and a hard-worker. He has 89 points (36 goals, 53 assists) in his first 90 NHL games and is plus-30 in that span.

But what might be most impressive about the savvy scorer is he keeps finding ways to get better.
Robertson on Wednesday tipped in two goals on the power play, something he really hasn't done a lot of in his career, but he looked like an absolute veteran staking out territory in front of the net and manipulating the puck with deft efficiency.

"He's something else," said defenseman John Klingberg, who sent the two shot/passes at the net that were converted by Robertson. "He's so smart. On the first goal, I'm trying to shoot to score, he tips it. Great, that's a goal. The second one was kind of funny. I told [Joe Pavelski] right before, they're giving me the lane right to the net. He was kind of tied up and Robo was wide open for a long time, and I was just trying to drag it as long as I could. He just finds that open spot, and that's a world class tip as well. He keeps surprising. He's so smart in different ways. He's a really good all-around hockey player."

It's not completely surprising. After all, "Hockey IQ" has been a big selling point on Robertson's scouting report since he was drafted by the Stars in the second round in 2017. It's also one of the reasons he led the OHL in scoring in 2018-19 with 117 points (48 goals, 69 assists) in 62 games. But what's impressive about this recent run is it's at the highest level against the best players in the world, and it's coming in just Robertson's second season.
"He's got elite offensive sense and elite skills," Stars coach Rick Bowness said of the decision to use Robertson in different roles on the power play. "Sometimes, you just have to let him go where he thinks he should be, and you've got to trust him with that."
Robertson said he's learning a lot from linemate Pavelski, who has made a career out of tipping pucks.
"I watch him all the time during morning skates getting his reps in," Robertson said. "I actually don't do a lot of that, but I'm trying to get better at it."

And that's part of his charm. He's a willing student and an eager participant. He attacks things with a can-do attitude, and he spreads that positivity throughout the team.
"He's been awesome," Pavelski said. "He learns every day, he wants to learn, he's good with the puck. As he's got a little confidence in his career, you've seen where it's been able to go, and now he's one of those players you definitely want to play with."
Bowness gives credit to Pavelski for helping Robertson.
"Joe's been great with him," Bowness said. "Pavs is a true pro and he's out there every day working at his game and pushing those guys. When I have a problem with Robo I go to Pavs and say we've got to push them a little more. They've got a lot of respect for Pavs. He's got a good voice and he's a great influence on the whole team."

That seems to indicate the sky is the limit for Robertson. He has kept this point-a-game pace up for the better part of two seasons, and he's earned the respect of teammates and opponents. Pavelski was asked earlier on what's the key for young players, and he referenced Robertson in his answer.
"I think compete is No. 1," Pavelski said. "I think when you understand that as a player, showing up and competing every night, it allows your skill to take over, it allows you to be around the puck and win a few battles. It gives you confidence. Robo has done a tremendous job, you've got to give him a lot of credit. He shows up and he makes plays."
Right now, pretty much the entire league would line up to be on his line. And as he gets even more experience, the guess is he'll make the most of it and get even better.
"It's my 90th career game I've played," he said after Wednesday's two-goal performance. "That's not a lot, but it's quite a bit."
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heikais a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.