Nick Robertson Making a Statement, Putting the Maple Leafs on Notice

Things are currently looking pretty bleak for the Maple Leafs, who have dropped a pair of games to move to 8-7-1 through 16 games -- a record that wouldn't even find them in a playoff spot if the post-season began today.

There are a few bright spots on the team, including the likes of William Nylander, Matthew Knies, and John Tavares, but one player who doesn't get enough credit for what he's been able to do is Nick Robertson.

The California native has not necessarily produce overly well when cast in a bottom-six role, but top-six Nick Robertson has been a force to be reckoned with, as pointed out by Sportsnet's Luke Fox.

Robertson has improved this year defensively, which has head coach Craig Berube much more amenable to playing him more frequently than he did last season. Not only that, but Berube has been trusting him against tougher opponents, featuring him in a more prominent spot.

For Robertson, he is making the most of his opportunity, using his speed to push back defenders, and relying on his shooting ability to create dangerous scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates.

The possibility does exist that the Leafs are merely showcasing Robertson in a top-six role in an attempt to boost his trade value, but until we begin to hear some more legitimate trade chatter, we have to assume that the former 2nd round pick is being given a real chance to prove himself.