Robbie Russo

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Image of Player Robbie Russo

Player Information

Robbie Victor Russo is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League (AHL). Russo was selected in the fourth round (95th overall) by the New York Islanders in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, marking the beginning of his professional career. After achieving significant success in college hockey, Russo has continued to develop his skills in the AHL, showcasing his talents as a solid defenseman.
Birthdate:
15 February 1993
Full Name:
Robbie Victor Russo
Birthplace:
Westmont, Illinois, USA
Nationality:
United States
Gender:
Male
Height (cm):
183
Weight (kg):
87
Education:
University of Notre Dame (College)
Career Started:
2011
Current Team:
Tucson Roadrunners
Draft Year:
2011
Drafted By:
New York Islanders
Previous Teams:
Detroit Red Wings (From 2015, To 2018), Arizona Coyotes (From 2018, To 2021), San Jose Barracuda (From 2021, To 2021), New Jersey Devils (From 2021, To 2023), Utica Comets (To 2023)
Player Active:
From - 2011, To - Present

Robbie Russo Bio

Robbie Victor Russo is an American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League (AHL). Born on February 15, 1993, in Westmont, Illinois, Russo stands 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighs 191 pounds, playing from the right side. He was selected in the fourth round, 95th overall, by the New York Islanders in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, marking the beginning of his professional career. After achieving significant success in college hockey with the University of Notre Dame, Russo has continued to develop his skills across multiple AHL and NHL organizations.

Robbie Russo

Early Life and Background

Robbie Victor Russo was born on February 15, 1993, in Westmont, Illinois, a suburb located southwest of Chicago. Growing up in a region with a strong hockey culture, Russo developed an early interest in the sport and quickly distinguished himself as a promising young defenseman. His size and skill set made him a notable prospect within the Illinois amateur hockey community from a young age.

Before reaching the collegiate level, Russo was selected to join the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, where he played during the 2009–10 and 2010–11 seasons. As a member of the USA Under-17 team in 2009–10, Russo recorded seven goals and 24 assists in 52 games, showcasing his offensive capabilities from the blue line. The following season, he joined the USA Under-18 team and was named team captain, ranking sixth in team scoring with four goals and 26 assists in 60 games. That same year, he represented the United States at the 2011 IIHF U18 Championships, serving as captain and helping lead his team to a gold medal while recording one goal and seven assists in six games, including an assist on the overtime game-winning goal against Sweden.

Path to Professional Hockey

Russo’s path to professional hockey was solidified when the New York Islanders selected him 95th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Following the draft, he enrolled at the University of Notre Dame in 2011, where he skated four seasons with the NCAA Division I Fighting Irish men’s ice hockey team. During his freshman season, Russo recorded four goals and 11 assists in 40 games and was named to the 2011–12 CCHA All-Rookie Team as well as Notre Dame’s rookie of the year.

Over the next three seasons, Russo continued to develop into one of the top defensemen in college hockey. As a sophomore, he led the Fighting Irish defensemen in scoring with five goals and 18 assists in 41 games, helping Notre Dame win the 2013 CCHA Tournament championship. His junior season was cut short in January 2014 when he was declared academically ineligible, but he returned strong in his senior year, recording 15 goals and 26 assists in 40 games. He was named to the 2014–15 Hockey East First All-Star Team and earned CCM Hockey All-American honors, becoming the fifth Notre Dame defenseman to earn All-America recognition.

Robbie Russo Career

Early Career (2015–2017)

On August 16, 2015, Russo signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings and was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. During the 2015–16 season, he recorded five goals and 34 assists in 65 games while posting a league-leading plus-47 rating, tied for the highest mark by an AHL player since 1993. His outstanding play earned him spots on the 2015–16 AHL All-Rookie Team and the AHL Second All-Star Team.

On March 6, 2017, Russo was recalled by the Detroit Red Wings and made his NHL debut the following evening against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He appeared in 19 games for the Red Wings that season, averaging 16:04 time on ice and recording 18 shots on goal, 24 hits, and 13 blocked shots. On September 5, 2017, Detroit signed Russo to a two-year contract extension, signaling their confidence in his continued development.

Arizona Coyotes Era (2018–2021)

On June 24, 2018, the Red Wings traded Russo to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He spent the entirety of the 2018–19 season with the Coyotes’ American League affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, continuing to refine his two-way game. On June 5, 2019, the Coyotes re-signed Russo to a one-year, two-way contract extension.

Following two seasons within the Coyotes organization, Russo departed as a free agent leading into the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season. Unable to secure an NHL contract at that time, he agreed to a professional tryout deal with the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL on January 14, 2021. In the shortened 2020–21 season, Russo contributed two goals and 15 points through 34 regular season games for the Barracuda.

New Jersey Devils Era (2021–2023)

As a free agent following his stint with the Barracuda, Russo secured an NHL contract, agreeing to a two-year, two-way deal with the New Jersey Devils on July 29, 2021. During his time in the Devils organization, Russo provided depth and veteran experience on the blue line, splitting time between the NHL roster and their AHL affiliate. His time in New Jersey allowed him to continue showcasing his defensive reliability and offensive contributions from the back end.

Utica Comets Era (2023–2024)

On May 19, 2023, Russo signed a one-year contract with the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League. After three seasons with the Comets, Russo left as a free agent and returned to a familiar organization, signing a one-year contract with the Tucson Roadrunners on July 10, 2024. This move brought him back to the city where he had previously developed as a professional.

Tucson Roadrunners Era (2024–Present)

Robbie Victor Russo currently plays for the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL, where he has returned after spending time with several other organizations. His familiarity with the Roadrunners system and the city of Tucson has provided a stable environment for him to contribute as an experienced defenseman. Russo continues to serve as a steady presence on the blue line, using his size, skating ability, and hockey sense to anchor the team’s defensive corps.

Driving Style and Strengths

Robbie Victor Russo is recognized for his well-rounded defensive game combined with strong offensive production from the blue line. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 191 pounds, he uses his size effectively in board battles and defensive zone coverage. His ability to contribute offensively was particularly evident during his senior season at Notre Dame, when he recorded 15 goals and 26 assists, and during his rookie AHL campaign with the Grand Rapids Griffins, where he posted a plus-47 rating.

Notable Events and Milestones

Among Robbie Victor Russo’s most notable achievements was his performance at the 2011 IIHF U18 Championships, where he captained Team USA to a gold medal and assisted on the overtime game-winning goal against Sweden. On January 18, 2015, he recorded the only hat-trick by a defenseman in the nation that season, becoming the first Notre Dame defenseman to do so since Frank O’Brien in 1988. He also became the second Grand Rapids Griffins defenseman ever to earn the CCM/AHL Player of the Week honor in 2016.

Robbie Russo Family

Personal Life

Robbie Victor Russo was raised in Westmont, Illinois, where his early hockey development took place. Details about his family background and personal relationships are not widely documented in public sources, and limited verifiable information is available about his life outside of professional hockey.

2025 Season Performance

Robbie Victor Russo entered the 2025 season with the Tucson Roadrunners, where he has continued to be a reliable presence on the team’s blue line. Drawing on his extensive professional experience across the AHL and NHL, Russo has provided leadership and stability to a Roadrunners squad looking to compete in the AHL’s competitive Western Conference.

Throughout the season, Russo’s steady two-way play and offensive contributions from the defense have remained valuable assets for Tucson. His familiarity with the organization, having played there previously during the 2018–19 season, has allowed him to integrate seamlessly into the team’s defensive structure. He continues to log important minutes in all situations, including power-play and penalty-kill scenarios.

As the 2025 season progresses, Russo’s veteran presence is expected to play a key role in the Roadrunners’ pursuit of a strong playoff position. His combination of size, skill, and experience makes him a foundational piece of the team’s defensive corps and a mentor for younger blueliners on the roster.