IS NICK KNOCKING AT THE DOOR?

Nicholas D'Agostino

With the Leafs getting bounced in the first round again, all attention is now focused on the offseason and the many questions surrounding the makeup of this team. One massive question is about the roster. Who will be added? Who will be removed? Well another question that I have involves Nick Roberston’s role next season?

Nick Roberston was drafted in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft when the Leafs selected him with the 53rd pick of the draft. Since then, Robertson has gone through some ups and downs. In 2019-20- the year after he was drafted- Robertson was having a substantial year in the OHL, putting up 55 goals and 31 assists for 86 points in just the 46 games he played.

His monstrous season was cut short due to the emergence of the pandemic and things have kind of gone downhill from there. Since the pandemic hit, Robertson’s development and growth has been stunted due to the lack of available playing time. If Leaf fans can remember, that same year he scored 55 in junior, it was the same year the NHL came back and he played bubble playoff games for the Leafs before even making his NHL debut.

It is also worth mentioning that he scored in the bubble. Since then Robertson’s career has been slightly derailed by injuries including a fibula fracture at the start of this year that kept him sidelined for almost 3 months. The good news is Robertson came back healthy and got a little taste of NHL action down the stretch. Robertson did play most of his games this year with the Marlies and had a productive time while doing so. He finished with 28 points in as many games.

When I look at Robertson, I see a skilled forward who has a great shot to accompany his ability to create chances for him and his linemates that seemingly stem from nothing. He can bring energy to a line through his aggressiveness and explosiveness. When looking at Robertson’s chances to make the Leafs next season, there is no doubt that Ilya Mikeyev potentially leaving the Leafs will have an effect on Robertson’s playing time.

I believe that Robertson will be given every chance to make the Leafs out of training camp this October. Many fans are starting to get impatient with Robertson as he is a prospect who has been talked about as a young stud with high potential for so long. In the same breath however, r so long. In the same breath however, mamany fans forget that he is only 20 years old and has yet to register a full season of professional Hockey in his time with the Leafs.

I truly believe that Roberston is an exciting prospect who could make the Leafs out of training camp next season. If he doesn't though, he needs to play regularly with the Marlies in the AHL. I also think that if he makes the Leafs he needs to play a more impactful role, not be a 4th line player playing 8 minutes a night.

If he is just going to play 4th line minutes I think it might be best for him to continue to develop in the AHL while playing top line minutes. The important thing to remember with Roberston is that he is still young and he is a prospect. Prospects can’t be rushed and they need time to grow and develop. Overall, I believe if Robertson is truly ready for next season, he will show the Leafs in training camp and he will earn an everyday roster spot on the big club.