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An Obviously Frustrated Nick Robertson Comments on Another Healthy Scratch With the Leafs
Photo credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Robertson appears to be frustrated after winding up as a healthy scratch for the Maple Leafs yet again.
Robertson found himself listed as a healthy scratch for Monday's game against the Winnipeg Jets, with Craig Berube citing that it was because the Jets are a very big and physical team. For a player who has been scratched a number of times in recent seasons, he is obviously not feeling too good about the situation.
After a day off on Tuesday, the Leafs returned to practice on Wednesday where Robertson was skating as an extra once again and projected to be a scratch for his second straight game.
Following practice, Robertson spoke with reporters and was asked about being scratched for two consecutive games, and to his credit, even though it obviously bothers him, he handled it very professionally.
"I mean, again, I don't know. I'm not sure if it's a surprise or not. I just go with it. I don't take it personally; I just have to work hard. And again, there are other guys who aren't playing that probably should be. It's just part of the deal, and it's my job to keep working hard."
Having just 1 goal through 9 games, the former second-round pick was also asked to assess how he has played so far this season. In response, Robertson was very honest, admitting that he hasn't been consistent and needs to be better at that.
"It has been fine. I think I've had some good games, some OK games, but puck luck hasn't really been there. I'm sure that'll turn around. I'm still confident in my game. I'm not beating myself up about it. I know that I'm getting another opportunity, whenever that is, and it's my job to execute."
With back-to-back games this weekend against St. Louis and Minnesota, Robertson could very likely draw back into the lineup for at least one of those games, which could end up being a showcase game for the 23-year-old as the Leafs are reportedly still entertaining trade proposals involving the winger.
As the Leafs continue to get healthier, seeing how often Robertson plays and if he produces during those opportunities will indicate just how much the Leafs see him as part of the organization going forward.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 31 | 1878 ANSWERS An Obviously Frustrated Nick Robertson Comments on Another Healthy Scratch With the Leafs Will the Leafs trade Robertson this season? | ||
| Yes | 1159 | 61.7 % |
| No | 148 | 7.9 % |
| If they get the right offer | 452 | 24.1 % |
| They will, but they shouldn't | 119 | 6.3 % |
| List of polls | ||