NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Nick Robertson

We continue today our profiles of potential Hurricanes draft selections for the 2019 NHL Draft. If you missed our earlier prlier profiles, they’re linked here: Samuel Poulin (our Mock Draft selection) and John Beecher.

Nick Robertson

• DOB: 9/11/2001
• Team: Peterborough Petes (OHL)
• C/LW | Shoots: L | 5’9”, 175 pounds
• 2018-19 Stats: 54 GP - 27G, 28A, 55 points, 24 PIM

Pick Breakdown

Undersized and with a birthday just four days shy of him being a 2020 draft pick, the opinions on Nick Robertson will be vast. However, there is no denying the high-level of skill that the 5’9” forward possesses. The numbers don’t particularly jump off the page statistically, but when you take into account that Robertson had just turned 17 prior to his second OHL season in 2018-19 and the fact that Peterborough was in the lower third of goals scored in the league, being a point-per-game player is quite impressive. Next season will be Robertson’s breakout season, and don’t be surprised to see him among the OHL’s top point producers.

The brother of Stars 2017 second-rounder, Jason Robertson, Nick isn’t as big as his sibling, but does possess many of the same qualities of the OHL’s leading scorer in 2018-19. If a team is drafting on pure offensive talent at this point in the first round, they would be hard pressed to find a more intriguing prospect.

Scouting Analysis

When watching Robertson play, it’s the offensive attributes which are most evident. His individual skill is elite, constantly pressuring defenders in one-on-one situations with his lightning quick feet, agility and terrific hands. Coupling his skill with a tenacious work ethic, Robertson is a nightmare to handle on the forecheck, constantly causing disruption of opposing teams breakouts and turnovers in deep.

Although he is small, Robertson is strong on his skates and is tough to target by defenders due to his ability to change speeds. On the power play, he excels in finding pockets of space off the half boards to open himself up for cross ice and back-door opportunities. The diminutive forward is extremely dangerous in close, with the ability to finish with a variety of moves and a deadly wrist shot.

Defensively, the effort is there and he should be able to be coached to play more structured as he continues to develop as a prospect. Given Robertson’s natural skating ability and agility, I would expect him to grow into a dangerous penalty killer at the next level, where he will create his fair share of shorthanded opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Robertson’s offensive ability should get him into the conversation for the 28th selection in this year’s draft. Although he is smaller then many of the players that will be in the running for the Canes pick, his skill level will likely be among the highest. Robertson would be a definite high-ceiling selection.