"A lot of times, guys get labeled as something and it really isn't indicative of their capabilities," Robinson told SportsLine.com. "I've always believed that guys react to different situations and that their roles change according to the system the team plays. That's why I don't like labeling people."

Colin White has become a force at both ends of the ice.(AP)

In White's case, the reputation preceding him to New Jersey was that of an aggressive, smart, stay-at-home defenseman, someone whose talent had become particularly noticeable because he spent his junior career with Laval in the free-wheeling and high-scoring Quebec league.

"For a defensive defenseman, it was great," White said of his junior days. "You get a lot of time in your end."

What you don't get, though, is to a chance to put up numbers. White never scored more than three goals and 15 assists in a junior season, ensuring that no one could mistake him for a young Paul Coffey. But the statistics he did have -- 300 minutes a season in penalties and a six-foot-four, 215-pound frame -- seemed to impress people more.

Leading up to his draft year in 1996, scouts noted his skating and shooting ability, but zeroed in on White's size and defensive strengths, highlighting his ability complete checks, block shots and punish opponents. He was rated to go within the first two rounds, and in fact, the native of New Glascow, Nova Scotia was chosen 49th overall by the Devils who saw someone a future defensive stalwart in the mold of their veteran, Ken Daneyko.

Given White's talent, that could still happen. But for this year at least, his place on the Devils blueline has taken on another dimension, one that him looking to create some offense rather than to simply stop it.

Part of the reason is the absence of holdout Scott Niedermayer, the quarterback of the team's power play and the key to its breakout, but it also a function of a Robinson's belief that White can flourish in the more wide-open style favored by the coach.

"He's quick from a dead stop, and he's good at getting that first pass away," said Robinson, who uses White on the power play and encourages him to join the rushes when appropriate. "He plays his position well, and you don't have to ask him twice to shoot the puck."

White, 22, is surprised anyone would think they have to because it's a side of the game he really enjoys.

"Everybody wants to be more offensive if they have a chance," said White, who had a goal, four assists and 20 shots in his first 10 games this year, after scoring a career-high five goals and 26 points last season in the AHL. "Right now we're short on guys and I'm getting the chance to play on the power play so I'm going to make the most of it."

Which is what he did during last year's playoffs. Although he had only 21 games under his belt by the time the post-season began, White dressed and played regularly in every game.

"It's a pretty intense time and playing 23 games in the playoffs is almost like playing a whole season," said White, whose first NHL appearance came only three months earlier. "It helped me a lot in terms of confidence."

Getting a chance will do that for a young player, although White believed it would happened eventually.

"This organization develops players and they don't rush," he said. "They let you spend a lot of time in the minors learning the game, but once you're called up, there's a reason and you pretty much stick."

White's sticking point came on March 7, the day the team traded away veteran Lyle Odelin. It was his third recall of the season from Albany, where he had played since 1997, and it turned out to be when he earned the roster spot he occupies today. But it isn't something he is taking for granted.

"For sure it took some pressure off coming into training camp this year, but it's not something you can sit back on," he said. "What I like about being here is that whether you're young or old, you're accepted as part of the team.

"But you always have to work at getting better. You never can stop proving yourself."

Even when you already may have.