After nearly six-years after being drafted by the New York Rangers, defenseman Matthew Robertson has officially made his NHL debut on Monday night against the Florida Panthers.
It appears that Head Coach Peter Laviolette has heard all of our prayers, as the prospects were all in the lineup on Monday night.
Robertson officially made his NHL debut against one of the best teams in the NHL, and reigning Stanley Cup champions, and following the game he spoke out on what it meant to him.
Robertson has been a call-up at the start of the season, but was unable to crack the NHL lineup.
But due to an injury that has ended Braden Schneider's season, Robertson could find himself playing bottom-pair minutes if he can gain Laviolette's trust.
Robertson was selected 49th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft and will be making his NHL debut. It's an ironic contrast, considering that Schneider was drafted only a year later and has 286 games underneath his belt.
Robertson has played 60 games for the Hartford Wolfpack this season and scored a total of 25 points (1 goal, 24 assists).
Matthew Robertson speaks out finally making his NHL debut with the New York Rangers
Following the game Robertson spoke with the media and revealed his true feelings after making his debut.
Here's what he had to say:
"It's been my dream to wear the red, white and blue since getting drafted in 2019. There's a lot of motions going on, just stepping on the ice, wearing the jersey. There were a lot of emotions and a lot of nerves. I was just very excited and proud of my family and everyone who's helped me."
At the moment, Robertson is a pending RFA, and it will be up to GM Chris Drury whether he decides to re-up the defenseman or not, but it's likely the organization will get another look at him with the Rangers on Thursday.
