Chris Drury and the New York Rangers officially complete an unexpected move with a veteran defenseman

While Matthew Robertson wasn't on the ice for the Rangers loss to the Washington Capitals, he also wasn't spared a demotion.

The reason? Robertson would get far more playing time with the Hartford Wolfpack, than sitting on the bench in New York.

So, in reality, it seems like it was a bad move for the team but it's just to get Robertson more time to mature his game until his next call-up.

Robertson has played all 47 games of the 2024-2025 AHL season with the Wolfpack.

This was another missed shot for the player, as instead of rolling with him as a 7th defenseman, Peter Laviolette once again went for a veteran option in Chad Ruhwedel.

It explains a lot as Laviolette can't trust a prospect who has yet to fully prove himself in the Rangers lineup.

He's never played in the NHL before, and unfortunately will never get the chance this week at least.

Robertson was selected 49th overall in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft and has spent all of his career with the Hartford Wolfpack.

In 47 games he's scored 18 points (1 G, 17 A) and has made it up the depth chart finally.

However, he will have to put in extra effort to get Laviolette to trust him enough on the ice.

That also requires action on Laviolette's part not to just play favorites with veterans.

For now, the Rangers lineup is set for the next game.