13. Buddy Robinson
Forward – Binghamton Senators — UFA Signing (NCAA)
AHL 6foot5 236lbs
At 23-years-old, Buddy Robinson, a college UFA signee has shown his game at the AHL level. While he’s not an offensive weapon, the transition to the NHL is in near sight for Robinson. He is heralded as being a very reliable defensive forward and one who is big and mobile, something that is valuable at the NHL level.
Bryan Murray commented on Robinson’s game towards the end of the season this year, citing him specifically as the next call-up to the NHL. He, along with B-Sens defender Chris Wideman are the two closest to NHL playing time.
The Senators do have a log-jam at forward, and one could argue that there are a few players who should be close to getting a shot at the NHL. UFA forward Derek Grant, Buddy Robinson, and Cole Schneider would be included in that list.
It’s likely we see Robinson at the NHL level at some point this year. While he doesn’t hold the offensive potential to play in a top 6, Robinson does hold the potential to be a steady NHL player. He isn’t ranked high on this list despite being close to the NHL, but that is due to his relatively low ceiling. That said, Robinson is a big and mobile forward, one who could be a useful piece at the NHL level relatively soon.