When Eric Robinson enrolled at Princeton University, he majored in economics as a freshman. But math didn’t pique his interest, so he changed to history, allowing him to read and write more extensively.
The Carolina Hurricanes forward, who graduated with a 2.9 grade-point average, doesn’t subscribe to the History Channel, but does read about the past to broaden his knowledge and watches documentaries.
If that makes Robinson, 30, different from many of his NHL peers, he’s comfortable in his own skin. And he should be.
Unlike many high draft choices who carved out NHL careers, Robinson took the unusual path as an undrafted free agent. And nine seasons later, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound native of Bellmawr, N.J., about 16 km southeast of Philadelphia, remains an integral part of the Hurricanes.
Playing on the fourth line, with Mark Jankowski and LaSalle native William Carrier, the right-winger had two goals and three assists heading into Wednesday night’s Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final against the Canadiens at the Bell Centre.
Indeed, Robinson has become an unexpected source of offence in the best-of-seven series, scoring once in each of the opening two games. Robinson and his linemates have the trust of head coach Rod Brind’Amour, called upon to play key minutes late in games.
Robinson played 12:52 Monday during Carolina’s 3-2 overtime victory and drew an assist on Shayne Gostisbehere’s opening goal.
“I think the production’s nice at this time of the year if you want to make a deep run,” Robinson said Wednesday after Carolina’s morning skate. “You need everyone chipping in and it’s nice to do that. But with the trust, it’s more about doing things right. Playing the right way. Being above the puck. Playing hard. Making sure we finish our checks. Things like that gain the trust.
“When you’re on the fourth line, you have to make sure you’re dialed in,” he added. “Every time you’re on the ice, you’re having a positive swing on the game. That can be anything. Whoever you’re on the ice against, trying to outplay them. Those are important minutes to give our top guys a rest.”
Robinson has always considered himself a late bloomer, and it wasn’t until his senior season at college that he produced points, scoring 17 goals and adding 14 assists in 36 games. Robinson also has some leadership qualities, serving as team captain his final year while helping to lead the Tigers to the ECAC championship.
Canadiens centre Phillip Danault and Carolina Hurricanes winger Eric Robinson battle for the puck in front of goalie Jakub Dobes during the second period of Game 3 at the Bell Centre on Monday. Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images
It wasn’t until that season that the NHL was on his horizon. He signed a two-year, entry-level contract with Columbus in 2018, believing that would provide him with the best opportunity. Robinson spent portions of seven seasons with the Blue Jackets under head coach John Tortorella before being traded to Buffalo in 2023.
Robinson joined Carolina as a free agent in summer 2024, going on to score a career-high 14 goals and adding 18 assists in 82 games. That led to some security, Robinson signing a four-year, US$6.8-million deal last June. He had 12 goals and 18 points in 67 games this season.
“There’s lots of ways to make it to the NHL,” he said. “College, junior, drafted, undrafted. Europe. No route is the same. I’m super grateful for where I am. It just reminds me to be grateful every day. This is the best job in the world, and I’m very lucky to be able to do it.”
Brind’Amour said the Hurricanes are lucky to have Robinson, and he appreciates the veteran’s contributions.
“There are plenty of players who have slipped through the cracks,” Brind’Amour said. “That’s why I love the college game. Maybe they don’t get into the gym as much as a younger kid. There’s all these things that allow you time to develop your game. Clearly, that’s what has happened with him. He’s a great player for us.”
With the Hurricanes leading Montreal 2-1 in the series, Carolina is two wins away from a third trip — and the first since 2006 — to the Stanley Cup final. That would set up a confrontation against Vegas. And, for Robinson, crossing paths again with Tortorella, who provided him with his first opportunity.
While Robinson is loath to look too far ahead, he realizes what’s potentially at stake.
“I have a lot of respect for Torts, a lot of appreciation,” Robinson said. “They really gave me a chance — and he was a big part of that. I’m not sure I’d be in the NHL today if not for Torts.”
Editor’s Picks
