Hot take: If the Leafs aren't planning to run Nick Robertson in the top-6, they should trade him
Nick Robertson was supposed to be the earlier rendition of Cole Caufield, but a slew of injuries has hindered his development significantly. The past two seasons, he has only played a total of 48 games for the Toronto Marlies. Over the past 2 seasons he has also skated in 16 games with the Leafs but was used in very limited roles playing mostly on the third and fourth lines, with spot duty on line 2.
Unfortunately, Robertson's talent is wasted on those two bottom lines and the 20-year-old was not given a fair shot to do what he does best - score. In his two shortened seasons with the Marlies, Robertson put up a combine total of 44 points (21,23) over 48 games playing top line minutes. He should be in the Leafs' top 6, providing another shooter for Tavares to feed the puck to alongside Nylander. The issue is that Robertson does not bring any size to the Leafs' top 6, which is what they need. What he lacks in size, he makes up for with his heart and his work ethic. He reminds me of Ondrej Kase in how he fights for pucks along the boards, but has a much better shot and playmaking abilities.
Aside from staying healthy, Robertson has done everything asked of him and more and deserves a long term shot in the top 6 where he can show his skill set. Playing him in the bottom 6 does nothing for his confidence or development. He needs to play more than 8 or 9 minutes and learn how to contribute against quality opponents.
If the Leafs aren't willing to give him a lengthy run of games in the top 6, they should use him as a trade chip. Robertson's trade value is still quite high, but if he isn't treated like a top prospect and soon, his value can and will begin to slide.
The 2019 2nd rounder could be used in a package for someone like John Gibson or in a deal to secure a clear upgrade in the Leafs' top 6. If the Leafs were to make a trade for a high-profile player it would have to be done in the off-season though, so the Leafs will need to decide Robertson's future sooner rather than later. The Leafs will likely be wary of trading him, given what happened with Mason Marchment and how badly the Leafs got burned in that trade.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 14 | 297 ANSWERS Hot take: If the Leafs aren't planning to run Nick Robertson in the top-6, they should trade him What should the Leafs do with Nick Robertson? | ||
| Play him in the top 6 | 122 | 41.1 % |
| Trade him | 132 | 44.4 % |
| Let him cook in the AHL until he's ready | 43 | 14.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
