Is Nick Robertson Becoming a Key Part of Maple Leafs’ Future?

At one time, Nicholas Robertson (Nick) was the Toronto Maple Leafs number-one prospect. However, injuries limited his growth. This season, he’s stayed healthy. As a result, the Maple Leafs are starting to see how good Robertson might be as an offensive player. Recent games have shown Robertson’s growing influence, prompting discussions about his potential elevation to the top six forwards.

In Wednesday night’s game against the Winnipeg Jets, Keefe’s trust in Robertson was evident as he placed the youngster on the first line. This move wasn’t done on a whim. Robertson earned the promotion because he had injected much-needed energy into the lineup. Keefe acknowledged Robertson’s impact, emphasizing the spark he brought to the team.

In the video below, you can see and hear Keefe’s comments about the young winger. Interestingly enough, the interview on the video was done just before the Jets game.

Robertson, According to Coach Keefe, Has Done Lots of Things Right This Season

In the interview, Keefe highlighted Robertson’s contributions to the team. He noted the youngster’s ability to maintain a positive attitude, work ethic, and readiness for the opportunities he would likely have. Keefe emphasized the challenge for players to showcase their skills after a period of limited play; however, he noted that Robertson had met this challenge well. The coach commended Robertson for being able to seamlessly integrate back into the lineup and, when he got there, providing a noticeable boost.

Against the Jets, in a game where the entire Maple Leafs roster struggled to find its rhythm, Robertson stood out from the other players. The energy he injected into the game when he was on the ice was obvious. His speed and tenacity on the puck were apparent.

As a result, he contributed positively to the team’s overall performance. Robertson was firing the puck and put up an impressive four shots on the goal. As a result, Keefe gave him a well-deserved promotion to the top six in the third period.

Robertson’s Hard Work Led to the Maple Leafs Game-Winning Goal

At this point, Robertson’s real ability started to kick in. The pinnacle of Robertson’s standout play came during a crucial overtime shift. After his team killed a penalty that had carried over from the third period, Robertson found himself on the ice with two of the team’s most elite players – Auston Matthews and Morgan Rielly.

The sequence that ensued showcases Robertson’s hockey IQ and his playmaking abilities. He disrupted a pass attempt by the Jets’ Neal Pionk, chased down a puck, protected the puck from a checking Jets player, and got a nice pass to Rielly, who then set up Matthews for the game-winning goal. Robertson’s hard work showed skill beyond his NHL experience on the ice. The young guy can play!