Peter Laviolette reveals true reasoning on why Matthew Robertson is making his NHL debut after six-years

Matthew Robertson will make his NHL debut against the Florida Panthers tonight. He'll be filling in for defenseman Braden Schneider, who is out due to injury.

Robertson was a second-round draft pick by the New York Rangers, 49th overall in 2019. He's been a call-up this season, but has never gotten a shoto to play until tonight.

Due to circumstances beyond his control, the Rangers will be able to see how he can fit into the future, and Peter Laviolette's statement suggests nothing less.

In Hartford, Robertson has played 60 games for the Wolfpack and scored 25 points (1 goal, 24 assists) but has never gotten a long look in the NHL.

Tonight, he's projected to slot in on the bottom-pair, with Zac Jones who has been a perpetual scratch in the New York Rangers lineup until tonight.

Robertson's debut is four years in the making, as that is the length of time he's spent in Hartford developing. During that time period, he's played 250 games in the AHL with the Wolfpack and scored a total of 80 points and 176 PIMs.

There's a two-way component to his game as he has an offensive upside which could be developed further by the Rangers, but tonight against the Panthers, he'll need to put his pedal to the metal as his aggressiveness would be rewarded against a hungry Panthers team.

The Panthers have a bit, and so does Robertson, as his 176 PIMs demonstrates he's not afraid of a tilt, or laying the body.

Can he impress GM Chris Drury and Peter Laviolette? We'll see in 60 minutes.