The Carolina Hurricanes are giving Justin Robidas his big break, calling up the young center from the AHL’s Chicago Wolves. The 22-year-old could make his NHL debut tomorrow when the Canes face off against the Detroit Red Wings.
Hockey runs in Robidas’s blood – he’s the son of former NHL defenseman Stéphane Robidas. But at 5-foot-8, the younger Robidas has had to prove himself at every level.
And prove himself he has.
He’s been lighting it up in Chicago this season, racking up 48 points in 65 games. That’s good enough for third on the team in scoring.
Before making the jump to pro hockey, Robidas was a force in junior hockey. He put up some incredible numbers in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League – 239 points in 223 games over four seasons. He capped off his junior career by helping the Quebec Remparts win both the league title and the prestigious Memorial Cup.
Last year was a bit unusual for the young center. With Carolina lacking an AHL team, he spent the season with the Norfolk Admirals in the ECHL, where he still managed to impress with 27 points in 32 games.
His size has made some scouts skeptical about his NHL potential. The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler ranks him as Carolina’s 13th-best prospect, though he’s quick to praise Robidas’s scoring touch and smart defensive play.
The call-up comes at a crucial time for the red-hot Hurricanes, who are dealing with injuries to William Carrier and Jordan Staal. While Robidas might not be expected to light up the scoreboard right away, he could carve out a role as an energetic bottom-six forward.
He’s got time to prove himself too. Robidas is signed through next season on his entry-level contract and won’t be a restricted free agent until 2026.
