Jason Robertson confident that his baby brother Nick will have a break out season for the Leafs
A bit of a late-bloomer himself, Jason Robertson knows a thing or two about what his younger brother Nick has endured in Toronto over the last few seasons. However, having said that, at least Jason's path to the NHL was a bit more of a straight line than Nick's.
Nick Robertson has bounced around between the Leafs, Marlies and IR since his initial postseason run with the team in 2019-20. The skill is undeniable - specifically his shot, which is absolutely NHL caliber. The durability is a bit of a different story. After suffering two significant injuries in back-to-back years, Robertson is now back up with the Leafs and he has no intentions of planting any more seeds of doubt in the minds of the Leafs' brass.
Robertson came into training camp this year with a purpose and a goal in mind; to make the Toronto Maple Leafs' opening night roster. As head coach Sheldon Keefe revealed following the Leafs' final preseason game, Robertson absolutely deserved to make the team in camp. Unfortunately, due to Robertson being waivers exempt, he was sent back down to the Marlies so that the Leafs did not have to place Denis Malgin on waivers.
Jason Robertson had a chance to speak with the media on Thursday, ahead of the Dallas Stars' game in Toronto and commented on his brother's situation and having been left off of the team's opening night roster. Judging by his comments, he doesn't expect Nick to be sent back down.
-Jason Roberton on what he expects to see from his baby brother this year
At 21 years-of-age, Nick is certainly reaching the point where the Leafs really need to know what they have in him. We know he could play in the OHL, we know he can play in the AHL, but now he needs to make the most of the opportunity in front of him to avoid any more potential setbacks and to show the Leafs that not only does he belong in the NHL - he can be an impactful player for them within their top six.
