To begin the new year, the Toronto Maple Leafs took to the road for three consecutive games in California. They won their first two games against the LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks and wrap up the trip tonight against the San Jose Sharks. For California native and Leafs rookie Nick Robertson, it was also a chance to see his friends and family. Unfortunately for Robertson, he spent more time with them than he would've liked to as he was a scratch for both of the Leafs first two games. He will also be watching from the press box tonight as he will be scratched for a third consecutive game.
Obviously, this is a mature approach for Robertson to take. He must be frustrated with how much time he's missed due to injury already, and spending additional time in the press box while he's healthy can really take a toll on a player from a mental standpoint.
There's no telling what the future might hold for Robertson in Toronto as we approach the deadline. But if there's one thing we know for certain, it's that teams value productive players, so if Robertson can find start to rack up points with any real consistency, he'll either boost his trade value and find himself with a fresh start and perhaps more playong time or secure a spot in Toronto's top 9 moving forward.