For the second time this week, the New York Rangers have secured one of their own restricted free agents, reaching an agreement with defenseman. Earlier in the week, the team re-signed fan-favorite forward Matt Rempe to a two-year, \$1.95 million contract.
His new deal is also for two years. While the Rangers didn’t officially release the financial terms, reports indicate the first year is a two-way contract and the second year is a one-way deal at the NHL minimum salary. When the contract concludes in 2027, Robertson will remain a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
Just a year ago, Matthew Robertson was unsure if he’d even receive a qualifying offer after three seasons in the AHL with Hartford and no NHL appearances. Despite a slow start to his pro career, the 2019 second-round pick was extended a one-year deal last summer.
That show of confidence paid off. Robertson had a strong campaign in Hartford this past season, leading all Wolf Pack defensemen with career highs in assists (23) and points (24). His performance earned him a late-season call-up to the Rangers.
He was slotted into the top defensive pairing with Adam Fox for the final two games of the regular season against the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning. Robertson nearly scored on his first NHL shift and, alongside Fox, played 30:43 over the two games. The pair contributed to three Rangers goals and allowed just one, although their expected goals share was only 34.42%, according to Natural Stat Trick.
“Getting those two games at the end of the season meant a lot to me and my family,” Robertson said on breakup day. “I’m carrying that confidence into the offseason.”
At the very least, Robertson adds depth to the Rangers’ blue line. At best, the 6-foot-4, 211-pound defender could compete for a spot on the left side this season, especially if the team parts ways with fellow restricted free agent Zac Jones, who has expressed dissatisfaction with his current role.
Rangers still need to sign, make decisions on several RFAs, including K’Andre Miller
The Rangers have now brought back three of their restricted free agents this offseason — Matthew Robertson, Matt Rempe, and Juuso Parssinen — each on two-year contracts. While these deals haven’t made a significant dent in New York’s salary cap, they are important steps in rounding out the team’s NHL roster. The Rangers still have about \$13.95 million in cap space, aided by last week’s trade that sent Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks and cleared \$6.5 million annually.
There’s speculation that the team could move defenseman K’Andre Miller, who is also an RFA and holds arbitration rights. If that happens, it could directly affect Robertson’s role, as Miller is a key presence on the left side of the blue line. However, if Miller is dealt, it’s expected the Rangers would look to acquire another top-four left-shot defenseman in return.
Other RFAs still awaiting new contracts include 20-goal scorer Will Cuylle, big-bodied forward Adam Edstrom, Arthur Kaliyev, and defenseman Zac Jones. From the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, notable RFAs include goaltender Dylan Garand and forwards Brendan Brisson, Jake Leschyshyn, and Lucas Edmonds.