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WHL Vancouver Giants

Roberts Cracks 1st Round on Sportsnet NHL Draft Rankings

January 31, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Vancouver Giants News Release


Vancouver, B.C. - Vancouver Giants defenceman Colton Roberts has cracked the top-60 on two respected mid-term rankings for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, both of which were released this week.

The 6-foot-4 right-shot defenceman was ranked 31st overall by Sportsnet's Jason Bukala in his first-round rankings, released Wednesday, and 58th overall by Elite Prospects in their January rankings, released Tuesday.

Additionally, Roberts was an honourable mention in both Scott Wheeler's midseason ranking of the top 64 players for The Athletic and Bob McKenzie's mid-season ranking of the top 80 players for TSN.

Bukala, a former NHL Director of Amateur Scouting with the Florida Panthers, is the founder of The Pro Hockey Group, which populates scouting reports on pro and amateur players around the world.

"Great size. Solid skater. Coveted right shot," Bukala said in his 31st overall ranking of Roberts. "Provides secondary offence. Sneaky puck rusher/play-maker. Capable of jumping through seams and distributing effectively. Two-way 'D' on projection. Room for improved details at times, but his compete is in place."

The Elite Prospects rankings, which had Roberts 58th overall, were produced following a scouts meeting on January 27. They released a condensed version of their meeting on YouTube, during which scout Daniel Gee said he was a big fan of Roberts' game.

"I think he's a super steady, sustained in-zone defender," Gee said. "I think he blocks lanes, he's ahead of the play, he mental maps everything because he scans a lot. Inside lane is almost always covered. A little bit chaotic in transition, but he has a flash of offensive skill as well."

NHL Central Scouting also provided written reports on all players who participated in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game last week, in which Roberts had a standout performance. The Maple Ridge, B,C. product registered a pair of primary assists and four shots on goal to help Team Red defeat Team White 3-1. The scouting report said Roberts has taken significant strides this season and has 'big upside'.

"He has the size, reach and physical assets to finish his checks and to defend effectively and with a purpose," the report said. "He plays big minutes on the top pairing and is utilized in all situations. Plays the top on the power play or as a shooter, moves the puck around quickly and efficiently to make plays. Colton makes the good first outlet pass, connects with the long stretch pass and joins the rush smartly where he can also beat attackers with his puck skills and skating."

So far this season, Roberts has collected seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points in 46 games, including 13 power play points. He was ranked 24th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings.

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