Roberts posted three goals and 12 points in 29 games in a depth role during in his freshman year at Colorado College – about what you would expect from a physical defender making the leap from the WHL to the NCAA. Not a liability at minus-2, and the defensive identity and physicality that defined his junior career are translating. With San Jose light on signed defenders organizationally, the case for an early AHL assignment is reasonable. His size and playstyle would fit a depth bottom-pair role with the Barracuda. Another NCAA season would not hurt his development either. It will be entirely up to the big club to determine if he’s ready for yet another big step in his development.

Roberts committed to Colorado College for the 2025-26 season on June 19, 2025. The 19-year-old defenseman will make the jump to the NCAA after four seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Vancouver Giants. During his WHL career, he was not known for his offensive ability, but it did improve every season. In 195 regular season games with the Giants, he produced 75 points (16 goals and 59 assists). Better known for his physical play, Roberts had a career-high 85 PIM during the 2024-25 season.

Roberts was selected in the fifth round (131st overall) in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks.

Taking the NCAA route is a good move for Roberts. He does not have much to prove at the junior level, and playing at Colorado College will allow him to develop his game before turning pro and joining the San Jose Sharks organization.

June 2024The big defenceman Colton Roberts should get a lot of attention on draft day for his ability to recover pucks in the defensive zone and seamlessly transition to offence. He’s a strong skater with a good shot, but the offensive game leaves a lot to be desired from Roberts. If he can clean up his rush defence and improve his offensive zone decision-making, Roberts could find a role as a bottom-pair NHL defenceman. Luke Sweeney