Season Preview: Robbie Russo

Robbie Russo

Position: Defense

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 190 lbs

Birthplace: Westmont, Illinois, United States

Acquired: Draft, 4th round, 95th overall, 2011

2010-2011 Team: US U-18 (USDP)

2010-2011 Stats: 60 GP - 4 G - 26 A - 30 P - 27 PIM

2011-2012 Team: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Team Role: Bottom Pairing Defenseman

Last year: Russo played top four minutes and was one of the most reliable defenseman for the U-18 National Program for the United States. He played in all situations for the team, compiling 30 points in 60 games. Russo also had a stint for the USNTDP in the USHL, playing 24 games and assisting on six goals. He had an incredible WJC U-18 tournament in Germany with 8 points in 7 games while representing his country as the captain of the team.

Expectations: Russo enters next season committed to Notre Dame. He will join the very solid program as a freshman and will play alongside Anders Lee, who is entering his sophomore season. Notre Dame has a pretty young blueline led by Stephen Johns and Sam Calabrese. Because of that, Russo will certainly have his chance to make his mark. Expect the defenseman to be a project lasting at least three years, if not all four at Notre Dame. Chances are he starts at the bottom of the totem pole, but with solid play, he should earn himself for icetime by the end of the year. It really all depends on Robbie.

Projections: 28 GP - 2 G - 11 A - 13 P

Thoughts

CH: I was a huge fan of Russo at the spot they took him. We had him ranked at #50, so I thought it was a great value pick for them to grab him at #95. The fact is that Russo is certainly a project and won't see any professional time until the Isles lease comes to an end. But he has potential to be a solid AHL defenseman at the very least, if not more. If he makes the NHL, he will most likely be a bottom pairing defenseman, which is still great value for a 4th round pick. Ironically, in reading previews to the 2011 Draft, a prominent blog, Western College Hockey, compared Russo's play to Matt Donovan. Pretty good company to be in, so his development curve will certainly be one to watch. Keep the Irish on your radar this year, for sure.

AT: Russo is going to a fantastic hockey program at Notre Dame where he will join fellow Islanders draft prospect Anders Lee. As Carey stated, we had him ranked pretty high, so to get him at 95 is a bit disconcerting but more-so enjoyable in terms of value. He's not a large D-man and will probably never push anyone off of the puck, but has the skills to make it to the NHL as a puck moving D-man who has defensive capabilities. It will be fun to watch him develop over the next few years at ND.