Jason Robertson appears to dig at the Leafs ahead of tonight's matchup against younger brother, Nick Robertson
Nick Robertson has had a tough season. For once, the Leafs 2019 second rounder has been healthy to start the year. Unfortunately, he's also been a healthy scratch for most of the year, appearing in just 13 games so far for the Maple Leafs. His only 2 goals this season came in a sensational game against his older brother, Jason, and the Stars, with whom the Leafs will meet tonight in Dallas.
You can see that the will is there. There's no shortage of effort in the younger Robertson brother's game. In fact, it's often trying too hard that proves to be the issue for Nick. He has a tendency to try to do too much or try to force a high-risk play rather than keeping things simple. I believe this is a big part of what's holding him back and why Sheldon Keefe is having a hard time trusting him.
When asked about his younger brother's season so far, Jason Robertson was quick to stick up for Nick, as any older brother would for his baby bro. Robertson pointed to his younger brother's determination and persistent work ethic as the reasons why he has no concerns about Nick's ability to play in the NHL.
Whether or not Jason's comments can be taken as a compliment to his brother or a dig at the rest of the Leafs is up for debate. I simply see it as him sticking up for Nick, who some, myself included, believe hasn't been given a fair shake so far this season. With Calle Jarnkrok expected to miss an undetermined amount of time with a groin injury, Robertson has a chance to solidify himself as an everyday player. If he isn't able to rise to the challenge, Denis Malgin and Wayne Simmonds are both itching to take his spot away from him. Robertson will absolutely be an everyday player in the NHL, but if it doesn't happen with the Leafs this season, I wouldn't be shocked if it happened for him next year. After all, it took Jason a little longer to have an impact at the NHL level and look at him now!
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 6 | 217 ANSWERS Jason Robertson appears to dig at the Leafs ahead of tonight's matchup against younger brother, Nick Robertson Did Jason Robertson poke at the Leafs for healthy scratching his baby bro, despite his incredible work ethic? | ||
| Yes | 131 | 60.4 % |
| No | 86 | 39.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
