Keefe's comments on Nick Robertson seem to indicate that he'll play a key role for the Leafs right away
During training camp, Leafs prospect Nick Robertson played with purpose, worked hard and produced at a high level - all things the Leafs' brass wanted to see. The problem was that there was another player on the training camp roster who equaled Robertson's offensive output who would have needed to clear waivers to be sent down to the AHL's Toronto Marlies. Robertson, still being on his ELC, was not required to pass through waivers, making him the logical demotion to avoid losing a player.
Robertson's efforts during training camp were not lost on Sheldon Keefe, who had stated from the very beginning that if the money had worked out, Robertson would likely have been on the opening night roster. Well, now with the injury to Matt Murray, Robertson appears to have a second chance to prove that he belongs in the NHL. Keefe had this to say about Robertson's call-up on Sunday:
-Sheldon Keefe on Nick Robertson's 2nd chance at an NHL job
Keefe is not the only one in the organization who is very high on Robertson. Marlies GM Ryan Hardy also sees great potential in Robertson, the younger brother of Jason Robertson, who put the league on notice in Dallas last season with a 40-goal season. Hardy had this to say regarding the younger Robertson brother on Thursday:
-Marlies GM Ryan Hardy last week on Robertson's skill level
Robertson skated on a line with John Tavares and Denis Malgin on Sunday at practice, presumably as a placeholder for William Nylander, who was unable to make practice due to an illness. The fact that Robertson was used as a placeholder in that spot could be a precursor to where the Leafs see him playing when he does crack the lineup. After all, there are a number of players on the roster who have the ability to elevate and play on the 2nd line. We saw Alexander Kerfoot in that spot for most of last season. Jarnkrok is another potential option there, yet it was Robertson who skated in that spot.
The Score's Kyle Cushman shared his theory that the Leafs do in fact intend to use Robertson in the 2LW spot alongside William Nylander and John Tavares. He simply does not see the Leafs calling up Robertson to not play him. It makes sense, considering the fact that Robertson was a top-line player who played huge minutes for the Marlies. That would be a lot of reps to miss to sit in the press box.
I'm sure we'll have some more clarity here in short order as to what the plan is for Robertson as the Leafs host the Coyotes on Monday night.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 17 | 231 ANSWERS Keefe's comments on Nick Robertson seem to indicate that he'll play a key role for the Leafs right away Will Robertson ever play another AHL game? | ||
| No - once he's in for the Leafs, he'll stay up | 98 | 42.4 % |
| Yes, he'll go back down when Murray returns | 133 | 57.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
