Columbus Blue Jackets Season in Review: Eric Robinson

An important depth piece for the Blue Jackets over the last four seasons, Eric Robinson brings speed along with physicality and a touch of skill to the fourth line for the team. This year he set a career high in goals, while remaining fairly healthy for a team battered by injuries.

Robinson is one of the most reliable players on the team. In fact, he’s one of the most reliable players I’ve ever seen. He simply shows up every night with his lunch pail, goes to work and takes on whatever task is presented to him, without complaint. Coaches love him because he’s the type of player they can trust in any situation.

The Princeton grad plays hockey exactly how you might expect an ivy league player to play. He keeps his game simple and smart, doesn’t take many penalties, uses his speed to compete in all three zones and tries to outwork the competition. He doesn’t have elite hands or a big shot, but he’s an effective player because of his size and speed.

This season, he got the opportunity to play on the same team as childhood friend Johnny Gaudreau. I won’t say this energized him because he’s always been energetic, but it did seem like having Johnny around opened up a more skilled version of Eric Robinson. I noticed him getting into better scoring positions this season; rather than rushing to the front of the crease, he was smartly dropping off and finding more time and space to release his shot.

There are plenty of holes throughout the CBJ lineup, but I think the fourth line for this team is in pretty good shape. Robinson is a great fit alongside Sean Kuraly and Mathieu Olivier. The three play a similar style of up and down hockey, but each guy brings something a little bit different to the table. They are reliable, and Eric’s dash of speed down the left side allows them to open the game up on the breakout, and get in quicker on the forecheck.

While I don’t see him as anything more than a fourth line player because of his real lack of finish, this is a great guy to have around. He’s got a very palatable cap hit for a fourth line player, doesn’t take a ton of penalties, is a solid penalty killer, and brings energy to the group. What more can you ask for out of a guy you gave up no assets to acquire?

Final season stats: 72 games played, 12 goals, 12 assists, 24 points, 6 PIMs, -21, 98 shots on goal. Overall grade: C+

Maybe call it a B- if you’re so inclined, because he scored a few more goals than we expected. But, Robinson’s two-way game was as advertised this year, and he quietly finished 7th on the team in scoring. He’s coming into a contract year and I would not be surprised to see him out to prove that he belongs on this roster long-term. Even if that’s not the case, he’s playing for a bigger contract. And, I think he will make a great case for himself.