Jason Robertson Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #29

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After being a fourth-round pick (62nd overall) in the 2015 OHL Priority Draft, Jason Robertson has proven to be a steal for the Kingston Frontenacs. He put up 18 goals and 32 points in 2015-16 as a rookie, before breaking out with 42 goals and 81 points in 68 games this year. His numbers are even more impressive when you consider that Robertson finished 30 points ahead of the next highest scoring player on the Frontenacs, and he accounted for nearly 1/3 of the team’s game-winning goals. Robertson turned it on even more in the OHL playoffs with five goals and 18 points in just 11 games.

Jason Robertson Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #29

Left Wing — shoots Left
Born July 22, 1999 — Northville, Michigan
Height 6’2″ — Weight 196 lbs [188 cm / 89 kg]

Skating

Robertson could be a decent to good skater, but has one big weakness. His top end speed is very good, and he reaches it with decent acceleration. However, his first step is often sluggish and can slow him down. This means in short races for loose pucks, he can be at a disadvantage, but in areas he has room to get going, such as coming in on the rush, he is not bad. He also has very good agility, and edge work, with the ability to make tight turns and cuts. He can use his skating ability as a weapon, to beat defenders one-on-one, both on the rush, and when working down low. Robertson has good balance, he is strong on the puck and can fight through checks. He is also good at establishing himself in front of the net.

Offensive Game

Robertson is a pure goal scorer. He has excellent hand-eye co-ordination and scores goals in tight to the net with tip-ins, one-timing passes and pouncing on rebounds. He uses his skating ability to take defenders wide and drive the net, where he can finish with is soft hands. Robertson also has a very good wrist shot, which is accurate and features a quick release. He manages to find soft spots in the defence and get open to allow teammates to set him up.

He is also a good play maker, with good vision and passing skills. Robertson uses his body well to protect the puck and work the cycle game down low. He can extend plays in the chycle and fight off hits and battle through hooks and holds. However, he is not a physical player. Robertson could stand to really use his size and speed to do a better job at forechecking defencemen and fighting for loose pucks. When he has the puck, he’s good; but if he does not have the puck and has to fight for it, he does not seem to use his body effectively, or show optimal effort.

Defensive Game

Robertson’s defensive game is a work in progress. He has a real tendency to puck watch rather than get involved in his own zone. He really needs to work on keeping his feet moving and remain engaged in his own zone. Robertson also needs to work on his positioning, and could again stand to be a lot more physical in his own end. Defensive play is the biggest issue in Robertson’s game, and he will really need to work to improve it, or it will drive NHL coaches crazy.

Projection and Comparison

Jason Robertson has the potential to be a top six winger in the NHL. The skating skill and offensive ability are certainly high level. However, he must do more to use his size effectively and be a physical presence for his club. He also has some real work to do in his own zone before he will be trusted at the NHL level. This is a real boom-or-bust type of selection. His style is comparable to James van Riemsdyk of the Toronto Maple Leafs, but this is a stylistic comparison and not a talent based one.