Sheldon Keefe's shocking treatment of young forward could result in a trade request

Ahead of Tuesday's game against the San Jose Sharks, many Toronto media members were surprised that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson was going to be scratched for the fourth consecutive game. However, with Noah Gregor catching the flu, Robertson drew back into the lineup. He ended up scoring in the Leafs' 7-1 thrashing of the Sharks, which prompted a few questions about his play for Sheldon Keefe following the game.

While Keefe sang his praises following the game, at practice yesterday it was a different story. Robertson participated wearing a grey jersey, typically reserved for extras, indicating that Robertson may be right back in the press box, even after his tremendous outing against the Sharks on Tuesday.

Robertson's patience with the organization must be running thin. He's finally healthy and just when he was starting to build some momentum, the coach puts him in the press box. Not only that, but when he does get back into game action, he scores a goal only to immediately be labelled as an extra again? If Robertson is frustrated, I can hardly blame him.


Robertson did, however, skate on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner following the injury to Matthew Knies early in practice on Wednesday. With Knies' status for Thursday's game against the New York Islanders unknown, Robertson may find himself in the lineup for the second straight game as he looks to continue to prove his worth to the club. If he does get that chance, it will be up to him to continue his solid play and get back on the score sheet to make Sheldon Keefe's decision a little more difficult.