Eric Robinson Bio
Eric Robinson is an American professional ice hockey player who serves as a winger for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on June 14, 1995, in Bellmawr, New Jersey, Robinson has built a steady professional career since entering the NHL as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Known for his speed, forechecking ability, and scoring touch, Robinson has established himself as a reliable two-way forward at the highest level of professional hockey.
Early Life and Background
Eric Robinson grew up in Bellmawr, New Jersey, where he developed his passion for hockey at a young age. He attended Gloucester Catholic High School, playing prep hockey for the school and graduating in 2013. During his high school years, Robinson attracted attention from junior hockey scouts, demonstrating the skills and work ethic that would carry him to the next level of the sport.
Following his graduation from Gloucester Catholic, Robinson was selected by the United States Hockey League’s Dubuque Fighting Saints in the third round, 44th overall, during the 2013 USHL Entry Draft. He spent the 2013-14 season with the Fighting Saints, competing against other top prospects in one of the premier junior leagues in North America.
Path to Professional Hockey
Robinson continued his development at the collegiate level, joining the Princeton University Tigers hockey program in the ECAC conference. His game improved steadily over four years, with his point totals increasing each season as he took on a larger role within the team. In his senior season of 2017-18, Robinson was named team captain, a testament to both his skill and leadership qualities.
That breakthrough senior season saw Robinson record a career-high 17 goals and 31 points in 36 games. He helped lead Princeton to an unexpected ECAC playoff tournament championship, earning the Tigers a trip to the NCAA tournament. His outstanding play attracted considerable attention from NHL teams despite going unselected in the NHL Entry Draft. On March 27, 2018, Robinson signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets as a free agent, choosing to begin his professional career immediately.
Eric Robinson Career
Columbus Blue Jackets Era (2018-2023)
Robinson joined the Columbus Blue Jackets with the intention of immediately burning a year off his entry-level contract. He was added to the Blue Jackets roster and made his NHL debut on April 7, 2018, in the final game of the 2017-18 regular season, a 4-2 loss to the Nashville Predators. This debut marked the beginning of what would become a multi-year NHL career.
During the 2019-20 season, Robinson achieved a significant milestone on November 12, 2019, when he scored his first career NHL goal. The goal came against Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens, a accomplished goaltender, highlighting Robinson’s ability to finish at the highest level. He continued to develop his game with Columbus, becoming a consistent presence in the lineup.
In the 2022-23 season, Robinson set a new career benchmark by scoring his first career hat trick on February 28, 2023, against Craig Anderson and the Buffalo Sabres. He completed the season with a career-high 12 goals while adding 12 assists for 24 points through 72 regular season games, demonstrating his most productive offensive output to that point.
Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes (2023-Present)
Entering his seventh season with Columbus in 2023-24, Robinson experienced his first career demotion to the American Hockey League when he was assigned to the Cleveland Monsters after clearing waivers. He appeared in nine games with Cleveland before returning to Columbus. However, his time with the Blue Jackets was coming to an end. On December 6, 2023, Robinson was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a conditional 2025 seventh-round draft pick.
Robinson finished the 2023-24 season with Buffalo, contributing 2 goals and 9 points through 40 regular season appearances in a bottom-six checking line role. Following the season, he became an unrestricted free agent and signed with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 1, 2024, agreeing to a one-year, $950,000 contract for the 2024-25 season. On June 20, 2025, Carolina signed Robinson to a four-year, $6.8 million contract extension running through the 2028-29 season, securing his future with the organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Robinson is known as a quick, agile winger who excels at forechecking and creating turnovers in the offensive zone. His speed allows him to beat defenders to loose pucks and generate odd-man rush opportunities. He possesses soft hands around the net and has shown the ability to score in tight spaces. Robinson’s two-way game has matured over his NHL career, allowing him to contribute effectively in both special teams roles and five-on-five situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several moments have defined Robinson’s professional career thus far. His NHL debut against Nashville in 2018 represented the start of his professional journey. The first career goal against Carey Price of Montreal in 2019 marked his arrival as an NHL scorer. The hat trick against Buffalo in February 2023 showcased his offensive potential at the highest level. The trade to Carolina in summer 2024 opened a new chapter in his career with a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
Eric Robinson Career Wins
Robinson has accumulated various team achievements and individual milestones across his time in the USHL, NCAA, and NHL. His collegiate career included an ECAC championship with Princeton in 2017-18, while his professional career has featured consistent scoring production and several memorable performances.
Career Highlights
Robinson’s most significant professional milestone came on November 12, 2019, when he scored his first career NHL goal against Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens. He recorded his first career hat trick on February 28, 2023, during a game against Craig Anderson and the Buffalo Sabres. In the 2022-23 season, Robinson set a career high with 12 goals in a single season. On the collegiate level, he helped Princeton win the ECAC playoff tournament championship in 2017-18, earning a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Other Achievements
Prior to joining Princeton, Robinson played in the USHL with the Dubuque Fighting Saints after being selected 44th overall in the 2013 USHL Entry Draft. He was named team captain at Princeton during his senior season, demonstrating leadership qualities that have translated to his professional career. His progression from undrafted free agent to consistent NHL performer represents one of his most notable accomplishments in the sport.
| Achievement | Season/Year | Team |
|---|---|---|
| ECAC Championship | 2017-18 | Princeton University |
| First NHL Goal | November 12, 2019 | Columbus Blue Jackets |
| First Career Hat Trick | February 28, 2023 | Columbus Blue Jackets |
| Career-High Goals (12) | 2022-23 | Columbus Blue Jackets |
Eric Robinson Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Eric Robinson comes from a family with deep roots in hockey. His brother, Buddy Robinson, is also a former professional ice hockey player who carved out his own NHL career. Buddy Robinson played for several NHL teams during his professional career, gaining experience that undoubtedly influenced his brother’s development path. The Robinson brothers represent a rare example of siblings who both achieved the dream of playing at the NHL level.
Personal Life
Eric Robinson maintains a presence on social media, where he connects with fans under the handle erobinson19 on Instagram. While he keeps much of his personal life private, his background as a New Jersey native and Princeton graduate reflects his commitment to both education and athletics. His journey from Gloucester Catholic High School through Princeton University to the NHL demonstrates his dedication to the sport of hockey.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2024-25 season with the Carolina Hurricanes, Robinson brings experience and versatility to a team with championship aspirations. After signing his initial one-year deal with Carolina in July 2024, Robinson impressed the organization enough to earn a long-term commitment. On June 20, 2025, the Hurricanes rewarded his performance by signing him to a four-year, $6.8 million contract extension through the 2028-29 season.
The new contract represents a significant milestone in Robinson’s career, providing him with long-term security and the opportunity to grow within the Hurricanes organization. Carolina views him as a valuable depth piece who can contribute across multiple forward positions and situations. His speed and forechecking ability fit well with the Hurricanes’ system and competitive timeline.
Robinson’s outlook for the season and beyond centers on establishing himself as a consistent contributor for a team that has shown genuine Stanley Cup contender status. His progression from undrafted free agent to securing a multi-year deal with a top NHL franchise represents the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance in the sport. As he enters this new chapter with Carolina, Robinson aims to build on his career-high 12-goal season and contribute to team success at the highest levels of professional hockey.