Justin Robidas
2020-21 Team: Val-d’Or Foreurs
Date of Birth: Mar. 13, 2003
Place of Birth: Plano, Texas, USA
Ht: 5-foot-7 Wt: 173 pounds
Shoots: Right
Position: C
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2021 first-year eligible
Rankings
Robidas’ biggest strengths are his fluid skating, intelligence and awareness, and for a player of his stature, those are crucial qualities to have. Robidas stands at 5-foot-7, 173 pounds, making him one of the smallest eligible players in the 2021 draft. He doesn’t play small, however. With 19 goals and 17 assists in 35 games, Robidas finished fourth on the Foreurs in points as he helped Val-d’Or capture second place in the QMJHL’s 2020-21 season.
Robidas
likes to model his game after Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point. Offensively, Robidas excels at finding open ice and creating space for his linemates. He understands where to be as plays are developing, and often skates himself into positions that make him difficult to defend against. He has good hands with the puck, and can elevate it in tight spaces. He doesn’t have an overly powerful shot, but places it well.
On the attack, Robidas usually likes to take the puck wide where he can draw defenders out of position, or catch them on their heels with his quick feet. When bigger defensemen take away the outside drive option, he sometimes has a hard time contending in the middle of the ice. That’s not to say he won’t compete physically – his size and agility make him difficult to pin down. With more muscle mass, he could become an explosive skater with an annoying kind of evasiveness.
There’s more to be desired when it comes to Robidas’ playmaking, as his passing isn’t always perfect, but he has a natural feel for the ice and a good hockey IQ. An alternate captain of the Foreurs, Robidas is tasked with offensive and defensive responsibilities, and would be an asset to NHL teams in both facets of the game. Propelled by his competitive nature and fortitude, he can be an impact player from top to bottom of an NHL lineup.