Matthew Robertson making the most of long-awaited opportunity in Rangers’ lineup

It’s been a long road to the NHL for young Rangers defenseman Matthew Robertson.

Robertson was selected back in 2019 with the 49th overall pick in the second round of the NHL Draft, and he spent his first four seasons stashed down in the AHL before receiving a call-up down the stretch last year.

With New York eliminated from the playoff race, he appeared in the final two games of the regular season, finishing with three shots on goal and a +3 rating.

After more changes to the defensive core this offseason, Robertson cracked the roster as the extra defenseman to start this season, but with injuries and sluggish play he’s quickly made his way into the lineup.

Thus far, the 24-year-old has taken advantage of the opportunity.

“I’ve waited a long time for this,” Robertson told Mollie Walker of the NY Post. “I came into camp not knowing what to expect and I’m just grateful for the opportunity. Trying to make the most of every opportunity I get and trying to get better each day.”

Robertson certainly has looked the part as he’s skated in the Blueshirts’ last four games.

He finally found his way onto the scorers’ sheet on Saturday night, firing a shot from the point past Montreal’s Sam Montembeault to give him his first career goal and the Rangers their first lead in the third period.

That made up for the first big mistake of his pro career, which occurred just a minute and a half into the opening period, as a turnover sent the Canadiens the other way for an odd-man rush and the game’s opening goal.

Mike Sullivan liked how he was able to shake it and bounceback later on.

“As a young player, sometimes that can affect a guy,” the head coach said. “What I loved about it is just his response — his ability to shake it off and just play. Watching him the rest of the night, he was competing and playing hard, it didn’t effect his confidence or swagger.”

If that confidence and swagger continue growing, perhaps Robertson can solidify himself as a mainstay in the lineup.

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