Matthew Robertson started training camp expecting a tough battle to make the New York Rangers’ opening-night roster. And his bid took another turn on Tuesday, when the Rangers revealed that the 23-year-old defenseman is out with a lower-body ailment.
Though Robertson’s ailment is labeled as day-to-day, each practice or preseason game missed is a significant setback for his prospects of making the team. The 2019 second-round pick has never played in the NHL, but he will compete with veterans Chad Ruhwedel, Connor Mackey, and Ben Harpur for the additional defenseman spot on Broadway this season.
Robertson was part of the lineup on Sunday when the Rangers kicked off the preseason with a 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. However, he logged just 10 shifts and 8:19 of ice time, seemingly due to an injury. During that time, he recorded two hits and was on the ice for Victor Mancini’s first-period goal.
On the downside, Robertson also led the Rangers with three giveaways in the game.
Last season, Robertson tallied 21 points (four goals, 17 assists) in 68 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League. When the Rangers called up defensemen twice, they opted for Mackey and Brandon Scanlin over Robertson.
Despite his diminishing stock, Robertson received a qualifying offer in the offseason and signed a one-year deal. He had a strong start to training camp and, now in his fourth year, felt mentally stronger after dedicating time to improving his mental skills during the offseason.
“I focused on the mental aspect of my game this summer and aimed to improve it,” Robertson said during rookie camp. “That was likely the main thing holding me back—maintaining my confidence and consistency day in and day out. It’s something I’ve worked on during the offseason, and I’m excited to see how it plays out this year.”
Matthew Robertson faces long odds to make Rangers opening-night roster
Robertson might only miss a few days before returning, but Mackey already impressed on Sunday with a strong performance, logging 23:03 of ice time and contributing an assist. Mancini also had a standout preseason debut, scoring a goal, adding an assist, and showcasing solid two-way play.
Harpur and Ruhwedel are expected to be in the lineup Tuesday against the New York Islanders.
Ruhwedel is likely to start the season as the extra defenseman for the Rangers. Acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins before the trade deadline last March, the 34-year-old re-signed this summer and brings 364 games of NHL experience, including a Stanley Cup win with the Penguins in 2017.
The Rangers’ top six defensemen are set, featuring Adam Fox, Jacob Trouba, and Braden Schneider on the right side, and Ryan Lindgren, K’Andre Miller, and Zac Jones on the left.
Harpur is a notable option, having been the Rangers’ sixth defenseman for much of the 2022-23 season. However, he missed nearly all of last season due to a torn pectoral muscle, playing only seven AHL games.
Additionally, the Rangers announced that goalie Talyn Boyko and center Ryder Korczak are day-to-day with upper-body injuries.
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