It seemed like not too long ago when Leafs GM Kyle Dubas was standing in front of the media stating that it was only a matter of time until prospect Nick Robertson forced his hand and earned himself a recall. That recall happened not long after the comment was made, but Robertson ultimately found himself back in the AHL not long afterward. On Tuesday, the Leafs announced that he'd be given another opportunity at the NHL level, albeit on an emergency recall.
While his first recall did not go quite according to plan, Robertson's latest stint in the AHL proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that he's coming ready this time. With 27 points in 26 games in the AHL this season, Robertson has shown that he has the ability to dominate - and to finish at the pro level, scoring 15 goals this season.
The Leafs are in a position to clinch home ice advantage in round 1 with a win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night. While it has not yet been confirmed whether or not Robertson will be in the lineup on Tuesday, you'd have to imagine that if the Leafs win against the Wings tonight, he'll draw in against Boston on Friday for sure, with the Leafs likely opting to rest some of their stars and veterans.
Meanwhile, with Robertson coming up, the Leafs announced that they have re-assigned defenseman Carl Dahlstrom to the AHL's Toronto Marlies. Dahlstrom had originally been recalled during the Leafs' recent road trip on an emergency basis, drawing into the lineup on Sunday against the Caps due to Timothy Liljegren nursing some bumps and bruises.
