The Toronto Maple Leafs made waves shortly before the trade deadline when they announced that they had sent Nicholas Robertson down to the Toronto Marlies amid his first healthy, productive season with the organization. The move was originally viewed as perhaps a precursor to a trade ahead of the deadline, but when the dust had settled, Robertson remained a Leaf.
GM Brad Treliving spoke briefly in the week leading up to the trade deadline, mentioning that he did not believe Robertson's stay in the AHL would be a long one and that the plan was to bring him back up after the deadline, once the NHL's roster limit became more flexible. As it turns out, it wasn't just mouth service from Treliving.
This morning, shortly before practice, the Leafs announced that they had called Robertson up from the minors. Not only was Robertson recalled, he was also on the ice for practice, taking reps as well. Not only was he taking reps, but he was doing so in a white jersey, typically reserved for a bottom-six player.
The 22-year-old forward has tallied 8 goals and 11 assists, totaling 19 points in 41 games this season. After spending a large amount of his tenure in Toronto on IR or LTIR, it's been a welcomed sight to see Robertson remain healthy all season long and relatively productive, considering his usage.
Robertson has averaged just 11:21 per game this season, largely dispatched in a bottom-six role with the rare glimpse in the top-six and has been used only sparingly on the 2nd PP unit. Though his usage has been relatively low this season, Treliving also mentioned that he sees Robertson playing a role with the team moving forward, so it doesn't sound like the team has any intention of moving him this summer.
