Leafs' Patience Paying Off As Young Forward Finally Putting It All Together
The Maple Leafs' refusal to move out young forward Nicholas Robertson following a trade request two seasons ago is finally starting to pay off for the organization.
No Mitch Marner and a revolving door of injuries to the forward group have opened up opportunities for a few players on the Leafs' roster this season, including Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson.
From Trade Request to Top-Six
Two seasons ago, Robertson requested a trade, looking for a fresh start. Instead, the Leafs changed his coach and gave him a clean slate in-house. Robertson went on to play in a career-high 56 games in the 2023-2024 season where he tallied 14 goals and 27 points.
Last season, he set a new career-high with 69 games and 15 goals. Despite a fairly productive season playing in the bottom-six, however, Robertson only dressed in 3 of the Leafs' 13 playoff games.
His lack of play time during the post-season led many to speculate that the Leafs would trade the 24-year-old in the off-season. While they were entertaining calls on him, their refusal to trade him for next to nothing has paid off.
Robertson has been one of few bright spots for the Leafs so far this season, collecting 10 points in his last 11 games, playing a prominent role in the top-six and seeing his average ice-time increase by almost 1:30 per game.
Analysts Praise Treliving's Patience
Following their fifth consecutive loss on Saturday, Sportsnet's JD Bunkis and Sam McKee raved about Robertson's play, but credited Treliving for not trading him, and believing he could contribute.
"There's so many shifts where he's hungry on pucks and making things happen. I really like his game."
"This is why they didn't trade him, because he goes somewhere else and he gets top-six minutes..."
Robertson Comments on Recent Success
Ahead of Saturday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Robertson was asked about his uptick in production and what he attributes his success to this season, to which he had a very simple, two-word answer.
Robertson is making the most of the opportunities that Craig Berube is giving him and is playing the best and most consistent hockey of his career.
Hopefully, the youngster can continue to be a bright spot for the Leafs the rest of the season. If he is able to, he will be in line for a sizable pay-raise and potentially a long-term deal.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily
| POLL |
NOVEMBRE 17 | 1216 ANSWERS Leafs' Patience Paying Off As Young Forward Finally Putting It All Together Are you surprised by Robertson's play so far this season? |
| Yes, he's putting it all together finally | 532 | 43.8 % |
| No, he just needed the opportunity | 684 | 56.3 % |
| List of polls |