Buffalo Bandits Trade Justin Robinson to Ottawa Black Bears 

In a move that adds depth to Ottawa’s defensive unit, the Buffalo Bandits have traded defenseman Justin Robinson to the Ottawa Black Bears. In return, Buffalo receives a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2028 National Lacrosse League (NLL) Entry Draft. The trade, announced earlier this week, signals both teams’ efforts to tweak their rosters ahead of the new season while addressing long-term needs.

Robinson, a 25-year-old defenseman, spent the past few seasons with the Bandits, where he became known for his strong physical presence and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Standing at 6’2″ and 200 pounds, Robinson is an imposing figure on the defensive end, frequently using his size and reach to stymie attacking players. While he hasn’t been a standout statistically, his work ethic and solid defensive play have made him a reliable part of the Bandits’ backline.

However, with Buffalo’s defensive unit already stacked with talent, Robinson found himself competing for playing time, which led to the Bandits exploring trade options. The conditional sixth-round pick in 2028 gives Buffalo some future draft flexibility, and depending on Robinson’s performance with Ottawa, the conditions of the pick could be adjusted to reflect his impact on his new team.

For the Ottawa Black Bears, this trade provides an opportunity to strengthen their defensive corps, an area they have been looking to improve heading into the upcoming season. Robinson’s defensive skills, along with his ability to handle the physical side of the game, will add valuable depth to their defense. Ottawa is hoping that a change of scenery and a larger role will help Robinson reach his full potential.

“We’re excited to bring Justin into the fold here in Ottawa,” said Black Bears general manager Tom McKenzie. “He’s a player we’ve had our eye on for a while. His defensive presence and ability to handle high-pressure situations make him a great fit for our team. We believe he’ll be a key contributor as we look to strengthen our defense this season.”

The conditional sixth-round pick could prove to be a valuable asset for Buffalo in the long term, as the Bandits continue to build for sustained success. For now, the focus for Ottawa is integrating Robinson into their system and seeing how he performs in an expanded role.

As the NLL season approaches, both teams will look to make the most of this trade. For the Black Bears, Robinson could become a key player on the defensive end, while the Bandits will monitor his performance to determine the full value of their future draft pick.