NASHVILLE, Tenn – The Nashville Predators were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round in the Stanley Cup Finals by the Dallas Stars. Now it’s time to look forward and not backward and take advantage of a first round pick opportunity. The Predators didn’t have a first round pick in the 2018 Draft. The team’s first round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft comes at 24. The Pro Hockey News pick for the Nashville is Matthew 
Robertson, defenseman from the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Robertson was originally selected by the Edmonton Oil Kings seventh overall in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft. Hockey is certainly part of the Robertson family as Matthew is the younger brother of former Edmonton Oil Kings forward Tyler Robertson, 22, who is now playing with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Ooks. Matthew had an opportunity to play seven games with his older brother with the Oil Kings as an under-aged player before joining the team full-time last season.
Robertson had a solid year with the Oil Kings, even though he was banged up a bit, scoring seven goals and collecting 33 points in 52 games.
“I thought my season was pretty good,” Robertson said. “I had some setbacks with some injuries, but I thought, overall, it was pretty good. There are a lot of things I need to work on and some of the things I can work into the off-season coming into next year.”
In the playoffs, he scored four goals and posted eight points as the Oil Kings advanced to the third round for the first time since winning the WHL title.
What are the Predators looking for in their first round pick? The Predators’ Chief Amateur Scout, Tom Nolan said, “Our philosophy is to take the best possible player wherever that pick is. One of the things we’re looking for is speed, skill – that’s where the game is going right now, so that’s our philosophy. That’s where we’re trying to go, but it’s taking the best possible player with that pick.”
The recently promoted Nolan, has been with the organization as an amateur scout for the past decade and has identified future NHL players, including former Predator players Seth Jones, Samuel Girard and Gabriel Bourque.
Robertson at age 18, has great size at 6-foot-4 and combines that with excellent mobility and speed. He is a solid two-way defenseman. Just what Nolan has said Nashville is looking for in their draft picks. Some scouts have even said that Robertson might be the best kept secret in the first round of the 2019 Draft.
Robertson’s size would have you thinking he is not a great skater but his long powerful strides help him keep up with almost anyone. He pivots to transition from offense to defense quickly and the reverse is true as well. Robertson has above-average speed and acceleration. His skating ability is linked with smart positioning and has become the foundation of his two-way game. Robertson has very good balance. This helps him to win battles in front of the net as well as in the corners.
It might take four to five years for Robertson to develop to his full potential. He has the ability to play big minutes and contribute in all situations for the Predators. His confidence and poise are important qualities as well. His size, mobility, and two-way defense game make him a good pick for the Predators.
“With the 24th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators are proud to select Matthew Robertson from the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Canadian Western Hockey League”
You must be logged in to post a comment.