The Toronto Maple Leafs have played through four preseason games thus far. Along the way, many players have had great individual performances. Maple Leafs forward Nicholas Robertson has been very noticeable, specifically in the last two games. In both of those games, Toronto matched up against the Montreal Canadiens. Robertson scored three goals, including two in the previous game on Saturday.
Robertson Fighting for Top-Six Role on the Leafs
This has been a very important training camp and preseason for Robertson for multiple reasons. Beginning in the offseason, Robertson requested a trade. It was at the start of free agency, and the reason for the request was that he wanted a bigger role. In previous seasons under Sheldon Keefe, Robertson couldn’t find a spot in the top six. Oftentimes, Robertson would be sent down because he didn’t require waivers on his old contract and that made some space for others. It was done as a convenience to the team, and that didn’t sit well with the player.
Even though the trade request has sort of blown over for Robertson, there’s something else he has to play through. This season, Toronto’s left side is very weak. They lost Tyler Bertuzzi to free agency, and that leaves a range of opportunities. However, just because the opportunity is there doesn’t mean he gets it immediately. There are several teammates in Robertson’s way to earn a big role on the Leafs. Max Pacioretty, Bobby McMann, Matthew Knies, Pontus Holmberg and more. Robertson’s work has been cut out for him.
Rising to the Occasion
Despite the amount of internal competition with the Leafs, Robertson did not back down. In fact, he’s risen to the occasion and is really determined to get what he wants. And what he wants is a top-six role in the Toronto Maple Leafs. The way he’s tackled this preseason and training camp shows that he has what it takes. He’s showcased his lethal shot that may seem predictable, goalies know he’s going low but still can’t stop it. On a nightly basis, he displays his work ethic, one of his best traits. He never gives up on a forecheck, and despite his size, he’s not afraid to engage in fierce puck battles.
In Pacioretty’s first preseason game with the Leafs, he scored two goals and an assist. One can’t help but think that Robertson saw that game and took note of what it would take to pencil himself on the second line. In every appearance he has made so far, he’s responded very well. Apart from showing up on the scoresheet, he’s been all over the ice. It’s still unclear what the Maple Leafs will look like on opening night. However, Robertson has made sure to give head coach Craig Berube a difficult choice in terms of setting his lines.
Where Does Robertson Fit?
Throughout the preparations for the season, Berube has been trying out an experiment. That experiment is trying forward William Nylander at centre. Typically, he’s on the wing and hasn’t honestly played centre since his time in the minors early in his career. However, Nylander hasn’t been able to test the waters in the middle of the ice consistently so far. In his first game, his line didn’t do much, specifically offensively. In the second game, he featured in this preseason, he had to leave the game early as a result of an accidental collision.
The point is, it all depends on Berube if he wants to keep Nylander at centre for the regular season. That decision will determine the way the rest of the team lines up. At the moment, Max Domi and Calle Jarnkrok are supposed to be Nylander’s wingers going into the season. It also should be noted that the first line seems to be set with Knies on the left side of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Therefore, that’ll likely push Robertson down to the third line. Potentially, he could be the right winger to John Tavares and Pacioretty. Even though he doesn’t typically play the right side, with his work ethic and determination, he’d make it work.
However, if Tavares plays second-line centre with Nylander on the right, there’s no doubt Robertson will get a shot on that line. He’s been too good in preseason to not even be given that opportunity.
Main Photo: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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