Leafs announce another AHL call up; this is a big one!
Following a big win at home on Thursday against a very tough Minnesota Wild team, the Toronto Maple Leafs have announced on Friday that they have recalled winger Nicholas Robertson from the Toronto Marlies.
Robertson has been absolutely on fire since returning to the lineup from a lengthy layoff due to injury, recording 6 points in his last 7 games for the Marlies. Robertson is now up to 8 points in 9 games with the Leafs' AHL affiliate this season.
The 20-year-old suffered a broken fibula in his second game of the season with the Marlies back in October, which had sidelined him for approximately 3 months. To have come back after such a lengthy stint on the sidelines and to have the sort of impact that Robertson has had for the Marlies, it speaks volumes about the rookie's resiliency, work ethic and skill level to have such a profound impact coming back.
Earlier this week, Leafs GM Kyle Dubas spoke very highly of Robertson and the way he's been able to rebound so quickly after a tough injury. Dubas went so far as to say that it was only a matter of time before Robertson "forces his hand". Here we are, less than a week later, and Robertson appears to have earned another look with the big club.
The Leafs' second round pick in 2019 (53rd overall), has just 36 regular season games of pro hockey experience (30 with the Marlies and 6 with the Leafs), but he has managed to record 24 points in the AHL and an NHL assist during his young pro career.
The biggest knock on Robertson is not his size, but his ability to stay healthy. The past two seasons have been rough for the Pasadena, CA native. He has now missed time due to a knee injury, a core injury, a concussion and a broken fibula. Obviously it goes without saying that a player's ability to remain healthy is crucial to their success in the professional ranks. Hopefully Robertson is able to avoid any serious injuries from here on out.
These are important developmental years for the young rookie. If he can come into the Leafs' lineup now, remain healthy, and contribute some secondary scoring for the Buds, perhaps we will have found our top-six winger for our playoff run in-house.
If Robertson can play to his potential and stay off the IR, the Leafs can save themselves some assets by not having to trade for a top-six deadline rental. That would be a massive win for the Buds.
