Jason Robertson making strong first impression at Stars development camp

FRISCO, Texas — By definition Development Camp isn’t about player evaluation.

Throughout the week Dallas Stars team officials, ranging from coaches to management, will point out that the five-day event is about the players getting acclimated to the system. Grades aren’t getting passed out in any form and success in development camp for an individual player is just a bonus.

While that may be the official party line and technically true, it’s still a big chance for several prospects to make a first impression. As they say, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

So far it’s gone pretty well for Jason Robertson in that aspect.

A second-round pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Robertson has been one of the more noticeable prospects during the first two on-ice sessions. Part of that is his first-round talent, while his effort and body language have spoken louder volumes.

Robertson is often the first player in line for the drills, particularly the skating ones that have been run by Olympic figure skater Todd Eldredge.

That’s a good sign for the Stars, who may have one of the steals of the 2017 draft if Robertson’s skating can take a giant leap forward.

Skating was the only thing really holding Robertson back during his draft year. He’s got an elite shot and is a natural goal scorer, but concerns about his skating led to him falling out of the first round and Dallas took advantage of that drop when they picked him with the eighth pick of the second round (No. 39 overall).

“He’s a natural goal scorer, he’s ranked very high in the all the scouting services you see,” Stars general manager Jim Nill said. “We’re very fortunate to be able to grab a player like that.”

Robertson is already showing complete buy-in at development camp and is taking the skating lessons to heart.

“It’s really hard to adjust your skating within four days in a half an hour, but you just take away the little things from it,” Robertson said. “For example, some little things I need to work on like staying lower on the ice, bending my knees more. I know when I go back home I’ll take that into consideration and add it to my game.”

Robertson has also paid attention to the off-ice teachings during his stay in Dallas, including balancing off-season training and recovery.

“I think mentally it’s thinking more professional,” Robertson said. “You just work so hard, but you also have to work smart so you can recover. Because at the next level that’s a huge thing for sticking in the NHL.”

For the time being Robertson still has two more OHL seasons remaining and is going to be a key cog for the Kingston Frotenacs this season. He had 81 points (42 goals, 39 assists) in 68 OHL games last season.

“What I expect is taking the next step in my game, becoming more of a leader off the ice as well as putting myself in a better position to make the NHL,” Robertson said. “I know I want to be the best player on my team, I want to try to be the best player in the league. I know in order to make the NHL you’ve got to maintain and keep developing off the ice, so be looking forward to doing that to.”