Thanks to the over 80 of you who voted in our poll! Our Top 25 Under 25 countdown continues today :
#11: ERIC ROBINSON
Voting
11th out of 34 eligible players
Writers’ Vote: 10th
Readers’ Vote: 11th
Highest Placement: 3rd (1 vote)
Most Common Placement: 15th (6 votes)
Biography
Birthdate: June 14, 1995
Birthplace: Bellmawr, New Jersey
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 201 lbs
Position: Left wing
Acquired: Signed by Columbus as an undrafted free agent in 2018
2018-19 Season
In his first pro season after a four year career at Princeton University, Eric Robinson split time between the Cleveland Monsters and Columbus Blue Jackets. He had a solid showing with the Monsters, with 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 45 games. He got his first extended time in the NHL beginning in early January, with 13 total games over the final three months of the season. He did not score any points while averaging just under 12 minutes a game, but I was still impressed with what I saw. His size and speed reminded me of Josh Anderson, just without the scoring touch. He was able to effectively cover 200 feet and despite starting 58.7% percent of faceoffs in the defensive zone, he had a positive Corsi (52.0%)
In a curious move, the Blue Jackets did not make a paper move to assign him to the Monsters roster on February 25, which would have made him eligible to compete in the AHL playoffs. Instead he played just five games with Columbus after that point and was a healthy scratch throughout the playoffs.
2019-20 Forecast
We’ll see if that time practicing and watching the big club pay any dividends for Robinson this season. While some of the more publicized prospects like Texier, Bemstrom, Foudy, etc. compete for a potential top 6 forward position, I see an opportunity for Robinson to seize an opening as a winger on the fourth line with Riley Nash and Brandon Dubinsky. He has the physical game for the fourth line, and his speed can be useful for getting the puck out of the zone.
He is signed on a one year deal after accepting a qualifying offer from the team. He will be a restricted free agent again next summer. What his next contract looks like will likely depend on whether he spends more time in Cleveland or Columbus.