Leafs GM Appears to Have Made an Important Decision Regarding Nick Robertson
Leafs GM Brad Treliving advocated multiple times for Nick Robertson Friday and has seemingly made a decision about his immediate future with the club.
Robertson has scored the last five goals for the Leafs in the pre-season, and while he has always been known as a scorer, it has been his play away from the puck that has impressed the Leafs' brass. Brad Treliving appeared on the Fan590, 'Overdrive' and had a 1-on-1 interview with TSN's Darren Dreger where he praised Robertson's growth on his play away from the puck and seemingly confirmed his roster spot multiple times.
"Yeah," said Treliving on the Fan590 when asked if Robertson's play made it undeniable. "He's certainly had a great campHe's been really committed away from the puck and relentless on the forecheck."
In his sit-down interview with Dreger, he was asked point blank if he was on the team for opening night and later in the day confirmed that Robertson's defensive growth is why he will be given the opportunity to be on the Leafs' opening night roster.
"It would be hard to say he's not."
"We want to give him his deserved opportunity. It goes both ways, he has to pull his end of the bargain as wellVery proud of him and, like to me, he's muscled his way right into a position here. So we'll get through tomorrow and see where everything ends up for Wednesday."
Robertson scored 14 goals in 56 games for the Leafs last season and with the departure of
Tyler Bertuzzi who left for Chicago, Robertson's offense will be needed to help replace the 21 goals scored by Bertuzzi. Throughout the pre-season, Robertson has shown tremendous growth on the defensive side of the puck as Treliving pointed out and the offense has come from that. It will be something that the Leafs will hope continues and something that Robertson needs to continue in order to remain in the lineup.
So far, things have gone very well for the 23-year-old and Craig Berube has even rewarded his defensive growth with opportunities to kill penalties. Should he maintain his defensive play, Robertson will likely get plenty of opportunity to play in the Leafs' top-six or at least increased playing time.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
OCTOBRE 5 | 2721 ANSWERS Leafs GM Appears to Have Made an Important Decision Regarding Nick Robertson Have you seen a huge improvement in Robertson's play this pre-season? |
Yes | 2397 | 88.1 % |
No | 188 | 6.9 % |
I haven't watched | 136 | 5 % |
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