Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson will be competing for a roster spot again this season.
Despite being a former second-round pick and showing some offensive promise, Robertson hasn’t been an every-game player for Toronto. Instead, he’s been a scratch throughout the playoffs, and he even requested a trade last offseason.
Yet, after his name came up in trade rumors this offseason again, Robertson signed a one-year, $1.825 million deal with the Maple Leafs. However, he is once again competing for a roster spot, but he calls it a ‘blessing in disguise.’
“I don’t really want to go into it. I think that’s just part of the business side, talking to my agent (Pat Brisson) and taking the best steps for myself personally, and I’m just happy it worked out like that,” Robertson said. “It’s just what came about. I’m not looking much into it. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise. You’ve got to work. It’s a contract year. If I sign an eight-year deal or one-year deal, my mindset is coming in and working hard and improving myself.”
As Robertson says, he’s using the one-year contract as a chance to prove it once again and motivate him to prove to everyone he’s still an NHL player.
However, Robertson will need to have a good camp to earn a roster spot and potentially a prominent role in the lineup.
Maple Leafs Coach Won’t Hand Robertson a Roster Spot
Although Robertson has some upside as a scoring winger, he won’t be handed anything.
Instead, Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube says Robertson and every player need to earn their way onto the roster.
But after the first day of training camp, Berube was impressed with Robertson and how he looked.
“He had a good first day today at camp. He was noticeable,” Berube said. “He’s a quick player. He’s fast. He shot pucks today. They went in the net. I mean, he was intense. Guy deserves to be on the team and deserves to start, then he’s probably going to start…
“We got some competition in camp. Nicky is a hard-working player that puts the puck in the net. He’s definitely a part of this team. We’ll see where he fits,” Berube said. We’re glad he’s here.”
Robertson recorded 15 goals and 7 assists for 22 points in 69 games last season.
Robertson Focused on Making Toronto
Although Robertson is under contract, he says the goal is to make the Maple Leafs.
Not only does Robertson want to make the team, but he also wants to be an every-game player. He played in just 3 playoff games and scored once. However, he says he isn’t focused on that or why he was scratched in the playoffs.
“That’s a question for Chief,” Robertson said. “Obviously, I wanted to play. I don’t like being out of the lineup. So, for me, it’s just to keep doing what I’m doing. I know my hard work is going to pay off.”
Robertson scored the lone goal in the Game 5 loss to the Florida Panthers before being scratched in Games 6 and 7.
Maple Leafs’ Nick Robertson Drops 3-Word Comment on Being on Roster Bubble