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Dallas Stars Daily Links: Jason Robertson Had A Season To Remember

It’s hard to recall, though, that it wasn’t predestined, or even predicted. Plus, Lightning strikes again, a Toronto landmark waves the bleu blanc et rouge, and more.

Jason Robertson had such an amazing rookie year with the Dallas Stars that it’s hard to believe it was neither predestined nor predicted.

In fact, at this remove, it’s astonishing to remember that Robo was a healthy scratch back in January. Indeed, he stumbled a little on the big stage, until Alexander Radulov sustained the injury that ultimately ended his own season. In his latest article, Stars senior staff writer Mike Heika takes in the history of a history-making rookie campaign:

Robertson started to make an immediate impact on the scoresheet, tallying two goals and four assists for six points in five games. That earned him extra minutes with top players and before long, he was a fixture on a line with Roope Hintz and Joe Pavelski. By the end of the season, Robertson had tallied 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points in 51 games. He led all NHL rookies in assists and plus-minus (plus-13) and was second in points and goals. His 0.88 points per game in a shortened season is not far behind Modano’s 0.93 in 1989-90 (75 points in 80 games).

Just as important, he kept getting better. He was a fierce battler for puck possession, he was a smart player in anticipating movement and breaking up passes, he was sapient in finding ways to get open around the net.

One big milestone remains for Robertson, and that’s the announcement of the 2021 Calder Memorial Trophy recipient. He is not favored to win. But, as Heika reminds, one look at Stars history shows it really is an honor just to be nominated:

...While the pandemic has created a strange scenario for delivering the award, just being in the top three has to be seen as a huge accomplishment for Robertson.

It’s something no other Stars rookie has done. And when you look at a list that includes the likes of Jamie Benn, Brenden Morrow, James Neal, Jussi Jokinen, John Klingberg and Miro Heiskanen, that’s a pretty impressive accomplishment.

There’s always more at Mike’s place. [Dallas Stars]

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