Roberts is looking to become the first Giants defenceman drafted since Bowen Byram in 2019.
One name to watch heading into the 2024 NHL Entry Draft is Vancouver Giants defenceman Colton Roberts. The Pride of Maple Ridge, BC, has already surpassed his career high in points just 22 games into the season and received a "B" ranking by NHL Central Scouting as part of their preliminary players to watch list released in October. Listed at 6'3", 195 pounds, the 11th overall pick from the 2021 WHL Bantam Draft is starting to show scouts how strong his game has become at both ends of the ice.
While the draft isn't for a few months, it is on Roberts' radar. He knows hockey executives are at every game and is trying to do everything he can to make his dream of being drafted come true. While he admits he does feel some pressure, he is excited to show everyone that he deserves to be drafted into the NHL.
"It's lots of pressure, but it's pretty cool that it's my draft year," said Roberts. "I've always dreamt about this as a kid."
With the way the game has evolved, defencemen need to show that they can not only be strong defensively but provide some level of offence. These are both areas that Roberts has spent time on this offseason as he continues to improve as a prospect. With 49 shots through 22 games, as well as some improved defensive play, it is safe to say that his work in the summer is already paying off.
"Yeah, I think this summer I kind of worked on it a little bit, trying to get it a little bit better. Right now, I'm just trying to work on my defensive part of it."
One benefit that Roberts has is that he gets to play close to home. Langley, where the Giants play, is only a 30-minute drive from where he grew up in Maple Ridge. As he describes, having his family and friends able to attend his game on a regular basis is something he is very grateful for.
"It's pretty awesome. It's pretty much my backyard, but they used to go to the games when I was younger, so it's pretty cool to have all my friends and family watching my games."
Roberts has the potential to be a solid player at the NHL level. He has good size and continues to develop his overall game, making him more dangerous when the puck is on his stick. If he can continue this level of play, there is little doubt that he will hear his name called at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.