The New York Rangers re-signed another restricted free agent on Friday, inking defenseman to a two-year contract—the second such move of the week after forward Matt Rempe signed a two-year, \$1.95 million deal just days earlier.
Robertson’s deal includes a two-way contract in the first year and a one-way contract at the league minimum in the second, though the Rangers didn’t officially reveal the financial details. When the contract expires in 2027, he’ll remain a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
Just a year ago, Robertson was uncertain whether he’d even receive a qualifying offer after spending three seasons in the AHL with Hartford without cracking the NHL lineup. Despite a rocky start to his pro career, he was given a one-year contract last offseason.
That decision paid off for New York. Robertson had a strong year with the Wolf Pack, leading the team’s defensemen with 23 assists and 24 points—both career highs—which earned him a late-season call-up to the Rangers.
He was slotted on the top pairing with Adam Fox for the final two regular-season games against the Panthers and Lightning, nearly scoring in his NHL debut. Over those two games, Robertson and Fox logged over 30 minutes together, were on the ice for three Rangers goals and one against, although they posted a 34.42 percent expected goals share according to Natural Stat Trick.
“Those two games meant a lot to me and my family,” Robertson said on breakup day. “I’m taking that confidence into the offseason.”
At a minimum, Robertson adds depth to the Rangers’ defensive corps. But with his 6-foot-4, 211-pound frame and improved play, he could compete for a spot on the left side, especially if the team parts ways with fellow RFA Zac Jones, who has expressed dissatisfaction.
Rangers still need to sign, make decisions on several RFAs, including K’Andre Miller
The Rangers have now locked up three of their restricted free agents this offseason — Matthew Robertson, Matt Rempe, and Juuso Parssinen — all on two-year deals.
While these moves haven’t significantly affected the team’s salary cap, they are still key steps in building out the roster. New York currently has around \$13.95 million in cap space, helped in large part by last week’s trade that sent Chris Kreider and his \$6.5 million annual cap hit to the Anaheim Ducks.
There’s growing speculation that the Rangers could move K’Andre Miller, a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. If that happens, it could directly impact Robertson’s role, since Miller currently holds a regular spot on the left side of the defense. Still, it’s likely New York would look to acquire a top-four left-handed defenseman if the 25-year-old is dealt.
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