Matthew Robertson is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman who has built his career through steady development and strong defensive play. Born on March 9, 2001, in Edmonton, Alberta, he entered professional hockey after being selected by the New York Rangers in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Standing around 6 feet 4 inches tall, Robertson has the size and reach expected from a modern defenseman. His path to the NHL included junior hockey with the Edmonton Oil Kings and several seasons with the Hartford Wolf Pack. Today, Matthew Robertson remains an interesting player to follow as his NHL career continues to develop.

Who Is Matthew Robertson? A brief biography

Biography Detail	Information
Full Name	Matthew Robertson
Profession	Television Presenter and Actor
Nationality	British
Known For	Pet Rescue
Television Work	Pet Rescue, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Acting Credit	Sam’s Game
Former Wife	Davina McCall
Children	Three
Television Career	Presenter and television personality
Notable Connection	Former husband of television presenter Davina McCall
Public Profile	British television personality

Who Is Matthew Robertson?

Matthew Robertson is a Canadian ice hockey player known mainly for his role as a defenseman. He developed through the Western Hockey League before entering the professional system of the New York Rangers. Robertson played junior hockey with the Edmonton Oil Kings, where he gained valuable experience against strong young competition. His performances eventually attracted attention from NHL scouts before the 2019 draft. The Rangers selected him 49th overall in the second round. His combination of size, defensive awareness, and physical ability made him an appealing long-term prospect. Since then, he has continued working toward becoming an established NHL defenseman.

Robertson’s development has been gradual rather than immediate, which is common for young defensemen. Players in his position often need several years to improve positioning, puck movement, physical play, and decision-making. Robertson spent multiple seasons developing with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League. That experience gave him regular professional competition and helped prepare him for opportunities at the NHL level. His journey also shows why draft selection alone does not guarantee immediate success. Instead, players must continue improving after entering professional hockey. Robertson has followed that process while remaining part of the Rangers organization and working toward a larger role. Read More : Karen Carney Partner: What We Know About Her Private Life

Early Life and Hockey Background

Matthew Robertson was born in Edmonton, Alberta, a city with a strong hockey culture and long connection to the sport. He developed his skills at a young age before joining the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League. His junior career became an important foundation for his professional ambitions. Robertson quickly gained experience against other talented young players and gradually became a dependable defenseman. His performances improved as he became more comfortable at the junior level. This progress helped establish him as a promising prospect before the NHL draft. His early hockey years were therefore important in shaping his later professional career.

Robertson’s time with the Edmonton Oil Kings also gave him opportunities to develop leadership skills. He served as an alternate captain during his junior career, showing that coaches trusted him with additional responsibility. During the 2018–19 season, he recorded seven goals and 26 assists in 52 games. His offensive contribution improved while his defensive responsibilities remained important. Robertson also represented Canada internationally at junior tournaments. He helped Canada win gold at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, recording two goals and two assists. These experiences strengthened his reputation and helped prepare him for the next stage of his hockey journey.

Matthew Robertson and the NHL Draft

The New York Rangers selected Matthew Robertson with the 49th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Being chosen in the second round reflected the team’s belief in his long-term potential. At the time, Robertson was viewed as a large defenseman who could contribute through positioning, defensive awareness, and physical strength. He had already produced encouraging numbers with the Edmonton Oil Kings and had experience representing Canada. The Rangers later signed him to an entry-level contract in October 2019. That agreement officially moved Robertson from promising junior player toward professional hockey and placed him within the Rangers’ development system.

Draft position can provide an early indication of potential, but development ultimately depends on performance and consistency. Robertson entered an organization with expectations that he could eventually compete for an NHL defensive role. However, defensemen often require patience because they must handle complex responsibilities in every zone. Robertson continued developing after his selection instead of immediately becoming a regular NHL player. His progress included time in the American Hockey League, where he could play against experienced professionals. This route allowed him to strengthen his game while adapting to the speed and physical demands of professional hockey. His draft journey remains an important part of his career story.

Career With the Hartford Wolf Pack

Hartford became an important part of Matthew Robertson’s professional development. Playing for the Wolf Pack allowed him to receive consistent minutes and continue learning the demands of professional defense. Across his first several AHL seasons, he gained experience against older and stronger opponents. His offensive numbers also improved over time. During the 2022–23 season, Robertson established AHL career highs in goals, assists, and points. He recorded five goals, 18 assists, and 23 points that season. Those numbers showed that he could contribute beyond defensive duties while continuing to develop his overall game.

Robertson continued playing regularly for Hartford during the following seasons. In 2023–24, he appeared in 68 games and recorded four goals and 17 assists for 21 points. He also led the Wolf Pack’s defensemen in shots on goal that season, showing his willingness to contribute offensively. The 2024–25 campaign brought another step forward statistically. Robertson played 60 games and recorded one goal with 24 assists for 25 points. Those 24 assists represented an AHL career high, while his total points also reached a new best. His Hartford experience provided valuable preparation for NHL opportunities.

Matthew Robertson’s NHL Debut

Matthew Robertson eventually reached the NHL after several seasons of development. He made his New York Rangers debut on April 14, 2025, against the Florida Panthers. Reaching the NHL represented an important milestone after years of junior and American Hockey League hockey. Robertson had worked through different stages of the Rangers’ development system before receiving his opportunity. His debut also demonstrated the value of patience and continued improvement for young defensemen. Although his first NHL appearance came later than some players selected around him, he had gained considerable professional experience before arriving. That background helped prepare him for the higher level.

Robertson played two NHL games during the 2024–25 season and finished those appearances with a plus-three rating. The Rangers then agreed to a two-year contract extension with him in June 2025. The agreement showed that the organization continued to value his development and potential. Robertson entered the next season with additional NHL experience and a stronger understanding of the team’s expectations. His path illustrates how prospects can gradually earn opportunities rather than moving directly from junior hockey into a permanent NHL position. For Robertson, reaching the league was an important achievement, but continued development remained essential to establishing himself long term.

Playing Style and Strengths

Matthew Robertson’s size is one of the most noticeable parts of his playing profile. He is listed at approximately 6 feet 4 inches and around 210 pounds, giving him a strong physical presence on defense. His reach can help him defend against attacking players and disrupt passing lanes. Robertson has also been described as a defense-first player who can use positioning and physical strength effectively. These qualities are valuable for teams seeking reliable defensive depth. While offensive production remains part of his development, his defensive abilities have generally been considered an important foundation of his game.

Robertson has also shown that his game is not limited to defensive responsibilities. His AHL career included steady improvements in assists and overall points, particularly during the 2022–23 and 2024–25 seasons. However, his strongest value has generally been connected with defensive reliability, physical play, and hockey awareness. Like many young defensemen, he has continued working on consistency and decision-making. Developing confidence with the puck can also help him become more effective in transition. If he continues improving these areas while maintaining his defensive strengths, he can provide greater value in different game situations. That balance will be important for his future NHL role.

International Hockey Experience

Matthew Robertson also gained international experience while playing junior hockey for Canada. One of his notable achievements came at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Canada won the gold medal, while Robertson contributed two goals and two assists across five games. International tournaments can provide valuable experience because young players compete against strong opponents from different hockey systems. These games also place players under pressure, particularly during medal rounds. Robertson’s participation helped broaden his experience before entering the NHL development system. His international record is therefore an important part of his early career and demonstrates his ability to compete successfully at a high level.

Robertson also represented Canada at other junior international events. He played at the 2018 IIHF Under-18 World Championship and previously competed in the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. During the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, he recorded six points in five games and was named to the tournament’s All-Star Team. These achievements showed that Robertson could contribute offensively while playing from the blue line. International hockey also gave him experience working within structured team systems and facing different styles of play. Such experiences can help young players understand the importance of adaptability, discipline, and preparation throughout a professional hockey career.

Matthew Robertson’s Recent Career Progress

Robertson’s recent career has included meaningful progress within the Rangers organization. After several AHL seasons, he finally received his NHL opportunity in 2025. His two-year extension with the Rangers further indicated that the organization remained interested in his development. The contract followed a 2024–25 AHL season in which he produced career-best totals for assists and points. Those numbers suggested continued progress with the puck and increased offensive contribution from the defensive position. His NHL debut was another important step. Together, these developments show a player who has continued improving after entering the professional system several years earlier.

The next stage of Robertson’s career will depend on how consistently he can translate his strengths to NHL competition. Defensemen face fast attacks, skilled forwards, and demanding tactical responsibilities at the highest level. Robertson’s size and defensive instincts can give him a useful foundation, while continued improvement with puck movement and decision-making can increase his opportunities. His journey also shows that professional development can take time. Being selected in the 2019 draft did not result in an immediate NHL position. Instead, Robertson worked through junior and AHL hockey before reaching the league. That patience remains relevant as he continues pursuing a larger role.

What Makes Matthew Robertson Interesting to Watch?

Matthew Robertson is interesting to follow because his career has developed through several distinct stages. He began as a promising junior defenseman, became an NHL draft selection, spent multiple seasons developing in Hartford, and eventually reached the Rangers. Each stage added a different type of experience. His junior career provided competition and leadership opportunities, while the AHL gave him regular professional minutes. The NHL then introduced a faster and more demanding environment. This progression makes his career useful for understanding how a young defenseman can develop over time. His future progress will depend on how effectively he builds on the skills gained at each stage.

Another interesting part of Robertson’s profile is the combination of physical size and defensive responsibility. Modern NHL defensemen are expected to defend effectively while also helping their teams move the puck. Robertson has shown an ability to contribute offensively at the AHL level, but his defensive qualities remain central to his profile. His continued development could determine whether he becomes a regular NHL defenseman or remains primarily organizational depth. For fans, following his minutes, defensive consistency, puck movement, and offensive production can provide useful clues about his development. These areas will help shape the next chapter of his professional career.

Matthew Robertson Career Facts

Matthew Robertson has several important milestones that define his hockey journey. He was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on March 9, 2001, and developed through the Edmonton Oil Kings before entering the NHL draft. The Rangers selected him 49th overall in 2019. He later became an important defensive prospect within the organization and spent multiple seasons playing for Hartford. His professional development eventually led to his NHL debut in April 2025. These milestones provide a clear picture of his progress from junior hockey to professional competition. His career continues to develop as he works toward establishing a consistent place at NHL level.

His statistics also highlight the gradual nature of his development. Robertson produced 23 points in the AHL during the 2022–23 season, followed by 21 points in 68 games during 2023–24. In 2024–25, he improved to 25 points in 60 games, including a career-high 24 assists. He then appeared in two NHL games during that season. The Rangers rewarded his progress with a two-year extension in June 2025. These facts show a player who has continued to improve while moving through the professional ranks. His future performance will determine how much of that development translates into a regular NHL role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Matthew Robertson?

Matthew Robertson is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman who plays in the New York Rangers organization. He was drafted 49th overall in 2019.

When did Matthew Robertson make his NHL debut?

Matthew Robertson made his NHL debut on April 14, 2025, against the Florida Panthers.

What position does Matthew Robertson play?

Matthew Robertson plays defenseman. He shoots left and is known for his size and defensive approach.

How tall is Matthew Robertson?

Matthew Robertson is listed at approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall. His size is considered one of his notable physical strengths.

Which team drafted Matthew Robertson?

The New York Rangers selected Matthew Robertson with the 49th overall pick in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Conclusion

Matthew Robertson has built his hockey career through patience, development, and consistent work. From his junior days with the Edmonton Oil Kings to his years with the Hartford Wolf Pack, he gradually gained the experience needed for professional hockey. The New York Rangers selected him in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft, and he eventually made his NHL debut in April 2025. His size, defensive ability, and growing offensive contribution make him an interesting player to follow. As his career continues, fans can watch how he develops his consistency and overall game. For more player profiles, explore our NHL player biographies and hockey career guides for additional information.