Sure. And I think that Robertson is still a pretty big "Maybe" as to whether he becomes an NHL player. I like him but I don't want to stake our future defense on the assumption he becomes a NHL guy. The development of Jones has made Robertson a potential luxury item the same way that between Schneider and Nils we realistically only need one to succeed.
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3 years from now some of these guys may have been dealt too. Tarmo Reunanen needs to go to a team where he has a shot. Skinner I could see dealt next offseason too. I think Miller-Fox has the potential to be NYR's eventual top pairing.
Miller-Fox
Jones-Trouba
Lindgren-Schneider
Let's say that's the NYR blueline as of the summer of 2024. You can potentially move both Trouba and Lindgren that summer as Troub's NMC expires and Lindgren is up for an extension into UFA years. That's 3 years down the line so even if guys like Robertson, Lundkvist, Skinner, Reunanen haven't worked out there will be other new options in the pipeline for the third pairing. You can end up with Miller-Fox, Jones, Schneider as your top 4.
But we will probably know what we have with Lundkvist, Robertson before 2.75 more seasons which could rush some decisions.
No way broski. We are just incredibly spoiled at D. While Robertson isn’t and polished as Jones or Schneider yet, he is a high end D prospect, prospect over all. He would likely be on most teams top 5 lists in terms of best on the farm.
He barely lost out to Schneider for WHL best Defenseman in the league last year.
While I don’t think offensively he will do what he’s done in Juniors points wise/offensively, I have no doubt he’s going to be a top 4 NHL D in time.
He’s a very good skater, very smart, and solid with the puck on his sticks. You can see the talent in Hartford. He’s made many slick plays both offensively and on D.
That said, he still needs time down there. In terms of being NHL ready, I’d say he’s a year behind Jones and Schneider.
If all goes according to plan, Jones- Schneider break in as the 3rd D pair for the rangers to start next season, and Robertson is bumped up to 1st pair on the pack and is given a heavy dose of all situations minutes.
Once he’s adds a little bit more weight/ muscle to that big 6’4 frame, he’s going to be a handful to deal with.
He’s another player like Miller and Schneider who possess tools that just can’t be taught, they are god given.
The hope is as he matures he gets more comfortable throwing his body around a little bit more. He’ll never be Schneider nasty, but hopefully a bigger slightly less physical version of lindgren with better puck skills.
I really hope he’s not traded, because I have high hopes for him in the future. I’d wager whatever team he’s on when he’s ready, that he’s a top 4 D for a long time.
Skinner is another player I hope they keep. I’m def not as high on him as Robertson, doubt anyone is, but I think he has the potential to be a very solid 3rd pair D who will be cheap.
He obviously also needs more time to develop. My best guess with him is most likely 3 years away from NHL play.
