Grayden Robertson-Palmer (C, L, 5’11”, 199, Andover Academy, 08/29/2007, Dartmouth)
Grayden Robertson-Palmer, a 5’11’, 200-pound left-shot forward, is a promising prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. His ability to play both center and wing with a high level of detail and professionalism makes him a highly versatile and complete player. Here’s an evaluation of his strengths and the areas scouts will be monitoring as he continues to develop:
Strengths:
Skating and Mobility: Robertson-Palmer is a strong, balanced skater who excels in all areas of the ice. His powerful stride allows him to generate speed through the neutral zone, putting defenders on their heels as he drives wide or cuts into open space. He is strong on his edges, maintaining control of the puck through traffic and contact. His agility allows him to create space for himself and navigate tight areas, making him dangerous in transition and in possession.
Puck Handling and Playmaking: Robertson-Palmer’s puck skills are advanced for his age. He has a soft yet strong touch with the puck, able to handle it smoothly even under pressure. He shows creativity with the puck, whether it’s making a quick move to beat a defender one-on-one or delivering precise passes to create scoring opportunities. His ability to read the play and find open teammates, particularly on the power play, is a testament to his high hockey IQ. He consistently makes smart, confident decisions with the puck.
Versatility: One of Robertson-Palmer’s standout attributes is his ability to play both center and wing at a high level. He is equally effective in both positions, demonstrating strong positional awareness and understanding of his responsibilities in all zones. His versatility makes him a valuable asset to any team, as he can be deployed in various roles, including on special teams.
Two-Way Game and Work Ethic: Robertson-Palmer is a responsible two-way forward who pays attention to the finer details of the game. He competes hard in all three zones, backchecking with purpose and staying committed to his defensive responsibilities. He takes good angles, pressures the puck, and wins battles along the boards. His commitment to playing a 200-foot game makes him a reliable option in any situation, whether it’s protecting a lead or generating offense.
Compete Level and Physicality: Despite being 5’11’, Robertson-Palmer plays with a physical edge. He is not afraid to engage in battles, deliver open-ice hits, and absorb contact while maintaining possession of the puck. His strength allows him to protect the puck effectively, and he consistently battles to regain possession when the puck is lost. His high compete level is evident in his ability to win puck battles and play through physical pressure, making him a tough player to play against.
Hockey IQ and Instincts: Robertson-Palmer’s hockey sense is well above average. He reads the game exceptionally well, both with and without the puck, and has the ability to anticipate plays before they develop. His offensive instincts allow him to find soft spots in the defense, create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, and manage the puck effectively in high-pressure situations. His intelligence on the ice sets him apart as a complete player capable of making an impact in all facets of the game.
Areas for Improvement:
Consistency: Like many young players, Robertson-Palmer has shown moments of inconsistency in his offensive play, especially after gaining a grade “A” scoring opportunity. Maintaining a high level of performance every shift and every game will be crucial as he progresses. Scouts will be looking for him to elevate his consistency, particularly in his offensive production and decision-making.
Offensive Finishing: While Robertson-Palmer has the ability to create offensive chances, refining his finishing skills will be important. Developing deceptiveness and a quicker, more accurate shot and improving his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities will help him take the next step offensively. Becoming a more reliable goal scorer will make him a more complete offensive threat.
Physical Development: At 200 pounds, Robertson-Palmer is already well-built, but continuing to add strength and refine his conditioning will be key to his long-term success. As he matures physically, adding muscle to his frame will help him handle the long season of professional hockey, particularly when battling against bigger, stronger and longer defenders in the NHL.
Defensive Zone Details: While Robertson-Palmer is already a responsible two-way player, continuing to refine his defensive zone play will be important. Improving his positioning, stick details, and awareness in his own zone will allow him to be even more effective defensively. As he moves to higher levels of competition, maintaining and building on the strong defensive habits he has built will be critical to his success as a center or a winger.
Outlook:
Grayden Robertson-Palmer is a well-rounded forward with the potential to be a solid selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. His skating, puck handling, versatility, and two-way play make him an attractive option for NHL teams looking for a player who can contribute in various roles. If he can improve his consistency, offensive finishing, and continue to develop physically, Robertson-Palmer has the potential to carve out a long and successful career at the professional level. His commitment to detail and high compete level make him a prospect to watch closely as he continues his development in the 2024-25 season and beyond.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images