Eric Robinson

Not many things went right for the Blue Jackets a in 2021-22, but Robinson's emergence as a regular in the team's lineup was a positive. The New Jersey native missed a month in the middle of the season with a knee issue, but otherwise remained healthy. He ended up playing in 67 games, posting 10 goals and 27 points. It's certainly fair to wonder if Robinson's role will decrease on a Columbus team that hopes to be more competitive this year, but the 26-year-old has put himself in a good position to be in the lineup on a nightly basis again in 2022-23.

After a career-best 18 points in 56 games last season, Robinson signed a two-year extension to remain with the Blue Jackets this offseason. The 26-year-old forward still has yet to see much more than third-line usage in his NHL career, but he can be an effective checking forward in that role. In addition to his point output, Robinson had 94 hits and 75 shots on goal last year. With a full campaign ahead, the New Jersey native should be able to top 20 points, although he's not expected to see any power-play usage. Outside of deep formats that reward physical play, there's little fantasy appeal for Robinson.

Robinson saw a semi-regular shift with Columbus for the first time last season and had his moments as a physical winger capable of making occasional contributions on offense, laying 79 hits in 50 games. With Josh Anderson dealt away in the offseason, Robinson could see his role grow further in 2020-21, but he's yet to show the kind of goal-scoring ability Anderson flashed when he was healthy, and the 25-year-old is likely a better fit on a checking line than as a true top-six power forward.

The Princeton product signed an entry-level deal with Columbus upon the conclusion of his college career and played in the Blue Jackets' regular-season finale. The 23-year-old has NHL size and speed, as well as an enviable work ethic and leadership traits -- he served as the Tigers' captain his senior year -- but as of yet he hasn't shown the skills to be anything more than a checking-line winger if he does eventually win a regular spot in the Jackets' lineup. The organization has had some success developing players like this in the past, notably with Josh Anderson, but Robinson should be considered a long shot to make an impact in the NHL.