Columbus, Ohio (WGR 550) – Sabres winger Eric Robinson will play his first game back in Columbus on Friday after the Blue Jackets traded him to Buffalo back on Dec. 6. Robinson played 266 games with Columbus after the he was signed as a college free agent out of Princeton University.
Robinson had 38 goals and 44 assists for 82 points in his six-plus seasons in Columbus.
The 28-year-old has been in-and-out of Buffalo’s lineup, scoring one goal and five assists for six points in 21 games. That one goal and three of those points came in his third game with the Sabres against the Arizona Coyotes.
Robinson had never been traded before, so walking back into his old arena for practice on Thursday was, indeed, a weird experience.
"It’s a little bit different than just playing them in Buffalo," said Robinson following Thursday's practice. "There are familiar hallways, and just walking through the other side, it’s strange, for sure. But I’m excited for the game."
Columbus came to Buffalo and waxed the Sabres by a 9-4 score on Dec. 19. The Sabres then won the home rematch on Dec. 30, 3-2 in overtime.
Robinson knows having the game in Columbus won’t be the same as the two games in Buffalo.
"It’s the first time I’m experiencing it, so it’ll be a familiar feel with a little bit of a strange feeling at the same time," he said.
The Blue Jackets actually had a pretty good team when Robinson first arrived. He played 10 playoff games with them in 2020 and he enjoyed it.
"The fans were great," Robinson said. "It’s such a great place to play. I have some good memories. We were making the playoffs and I had a chance to play in the bubbled playoffs, and had a couple of good years of pushes for playoffs as well.
"We went through some tough years too, and their support was unwavering. We were still selling out the building during those tough times. It’s a good place to play, and I have a lot of fond memories."
Being here over two-and-a-half months, Robinson has gotten the lay of the land. He says his new teammates made being traded for the first time easier.
"The guys make it easy, and I think everyone can tell the tight group that it is here," Robinson said. "They welcomed me in, and I felt very comfortable. Once you’re here a few months, the hockey gets more comfortable too."
This week has been a bonus for Robinson’s dad, because he gets to meet some new fathers. He’s already been on a dad’s trip this season.
"This is actually my dad’s second father’s trip," Robinson said. "We got our dads trip with Columbus in December right before I got traded, so he’s livin' the life this year with two trips in one season.
"It’s special to have your father on a trip, because they helped you learn the game and they gave you every opportunity to get to the NHL like we are. To be able to share these memories with them, it’s always special if it’s just a way to say thanks to them."
After Thursday’s practice, the dads and mentors had many great things planned to do with the players.
