The Carolina Hurricanes boast some of the best depth in the league, and their fourth line is a major reason for that. Sure, they might not have some of the biggest names, but they are great fits for what the Canes are doing. Eric Robinson is a perfect example of that. The Canes knew exactly what they were getting when they signed Robinson in 2024.
Robinson went on to have a career season in his first campaign with the Canes. His 14-goal, 32-point outing in 2024-25 netted him a four-year extension and created a home for him in Raleigh. While he didn't produce as much in his second season, Robinson fit the scheme beautifully. Anchoring the fourth line, he still had his moments in 2025-26.
His points were fewer, but Robinson was a star in the conference finals
Robinson got off to a very quick start. Getting his first goal on Opening Night against the Devils, he scored three times in his first seven games. However, Robinson joined the laundry list of early-season injuries in a win over the Avalanche in October, costing him six games. He came back with a vengeance, scoring in his return against Buffalo. In 12 games, Robinson had five goals.
His scoring slowed down until he got hot again with a goal streak around Christmas. Robinson scored in three straight games against Tampa Bay, Florida, and Detroit, the longest streak of his NHL career, bringing him to nine goals before the new year. He scored one more goal to reach double digits again before an injury against the Sabres on MLK Day took him out until the Olympic break.
After the pause, Robinson had just three points in his final 23 games. He went goalless over his final 12 contests. Still, finishing the season with 12 goals, Robinson tied for tenth on the team and recorded back-to-back 10+-goal seasons for the first time in his career. It might've been a 14-point difference from the year before, but he was still providing incredible value at the bottom of the lineup.
His entire line was a bit snake-bitten in the postseason, though Robinson had two helpers against Ottawa. In the Eastern Conference Finals, they finally found their groove. Robinson scored three times in the Canes' five-game win over Montreal, including an electric breakaway tally in Game 5. He added two assists in the Stanley Cup Final, finishing his run with eight points.
Another double-digit goal season should be the standard for Robinson
Robinson's time in Raleigh has done wonders for his career thus far, and his contract remains one of the most cost-effective on the team, which says a lot about the way that the Canes do business. While he'll float around when the team needs a spark, his presence at the bottom of the Canes' lineup is where he's valued most.
After going for 14 and 12 goals in his first two seasons with the Hurricanes, it has become expected that he'll get to at least ten. The team's veteran trio on the fourth line all finished with around the same number of points. Robinson is the better goal scorer of the three, so he'll get the bulk of the chances. He has also become a big part of the penalty kill after the big guns take their turns.
We saw in 2024 what Robinson can do next to a skilled winger, but his chances to play next to a playmaker like Martin Necas are often limited with this team's configuration. Regardless, we know what Robinson can do, and his spot on this team is as critical as any. I think ten goals is just the start. With his speed and skill, there's still more to see from Robinson.
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