Nick Robertson isn't the only one struggling from his draft class; A list of '01 births who are yet to establish themselves in the NHL

Yesterday, it was reported that 2020 ninth overall pick Marco Rossi would be assigned to the Minnesota Wild's AHL team, the Iowa Wild. Rossi has struggled to earn a full-time spot in the WIld's lineup since returning from post-COVID complications. Rossi experienced those complications when the shortened 2020-2021 season was to begin in January of that year. He played 2 games last season and so far this season has played 16 games but has only managed to register 1 assist in those 16 games.

Similarly, Nick Roberson has been in and out of the Leafs' lineup this season, only skating in 11 of the team's 23 games so far but has managed to register five points in those 11 games. However, many Leaf fans believe he should be playing more, particularly alongside John Tavares and Mitch Marner. While Robertson is very good on the offensive side of the puck and his defensive game has grown, his shortcoming is his versatility and his execution and positioning could use some work as well. The players that are playing ahead of him in the lineup despite not producing as much can kill penalties and can play center or wing. Versatility is something that Sheldon Keefe and Kyle Dubas love to have with their forward group.

Many Leaf fans believe that Robertson is being unfairly treated and should have a full-time roster spot, but like Rossi and many other '01 born players, he lost almost 2 years of development because of Covid on top of the amount of time he has missed with injuries. Just look at some of the notable first round picks that have yet to make an impact at the NHL level:

Alex Turcotte (5)
Philip Broberg (8)
Victor Soderstrom (11)
Cam York (14)
Ville Heinola (20)
Philip Tomasino (24)
Connor McMichael (25)
Jakob Pelletier (26)


Broberg was supposed to be the number two guy in Edmonton next to Evan Bouchard who is just coming into his own as well, while Ville Heinola has requested a trade from Winnipeg because he has been unable to earn a full-time spot on the Jets' blueline. Flames first rounder Jakob Pelletier has yet to play an NHL game and Cam York, Alex Turcotte, Philip Tomasino and Connor McMichael have been up and down with their respective NHL clubs as well.

A second round pick, Robertson is behind in his development, but many players that were drafted from 2019-2021 are in the same situation. Yes, some are ahead and have found full-time roster spots in the NHL, but that does not mean the Leafs or any other team for that matter should give up on or trade those that haven't made the leap yet. Robertson is continuing to develop with the Leafs and has impressed Keefe at practice. he will get his shot, but in the meantime, he needs to continue to work hard, refine his skillset and grow his defensive game.