With 27 points in his last 25 games with the Leafs' American League affiliate Toronto Maries, 2019 2nd round pick Nick Robertson is looking to establish himself as a viable option for the Leafs come playoff time.
The 20-year-old has played 15 career games in the National Hockey League over the past two seasons, but a series of injuries and the current logjam of forwards on the Leafs have made it difficult for him to grab a permanent spot.
Additionally, Robertson is a scoring winger. As of late, we have seen head coach Sheldon Keefe dress Kyle Clifford and Wayne Simmonds on the fourth line, likely because he wants some grit in the bottom of the lineup. While he does forecheck hard, grit is one thing Robertson doesn't really add. If Robertson is to make the big club full time, it will likely be when there is a spot open on one of the top three lines.
The Leafs have been playing some pretty good hockey of late, going 7-2-1 in their last ten games, and seem to like the current mix. That leaves Robertson on the outside looking in. However, if the Leafs experience an injury in the playoffs to someone who plays higher in the lineup, it is likely Robertson would be the first call up to help replace lost scoring production. Let's not forget, Robertson made his NHL debut in the play-in series against the Columbus Blue Jackets back in 2020, scoring a goal.
In the playoffs, teams always experience injuries. If the Leafs have a deep playoff run, don't be surprised if you see Nick Robertson with the Buds at some point.
