2019 NHL Draft: New York Rangers Select Matthew Robertson 49th Overall

The New York Rangers have selected Matthew Robertson with the 49th overall selection in the 2019 NHL Draft.

Vitals

Position: LD

Age on Draft Day: 18

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 201 lbs

2018-2019 Stats: 7 Goals, 26 Assists, 33 Points

Draft Rankings

NHL Central Scouting: 26th (North American Skaters)

Future Considerations: 19th

ISS Hockey: 29th

Here a quick look at his scouting report courtesy of our very own Adam Herman.

The Rangers take defenseman Matthew Robertson. Not a sexy pick, but a robust one. Good shutdown defenseman (actually) who moves the puck out of his zone quite well. Not much offense but enough to push him through pro hockey.

— Adam Herman (@AdamZHerman) June 22, 2019

And more from The Draft Analysis

Strong and mobile two-way blue liner with a team-first attitude who handles both big minutes and big situations with maturity and confidence. Robertson is a throwback to the Western Canadian defensemen of old who were able to intimidate with physicality or their play with the puck. He’s clearly the top defender for the Oil Kings by the way he’s used at even strength and special teams, and how often Robertson is being summoned to address his coach’s concerns. His size, long reach and timing makes him close to impossible to beat one on one, and few teenage defensemen can force opponents into so many unsuccessful zone entries simply by standing up at the blue line.

By all accounts, Robertson appears to be a safe, yet decent pick for the Rangers. He’s an enormous defenseman that can shutdown his opponents, while also having enough offensive instincts to move the puck out of his own zone without much trouble.