Nick Robertson appears to be getting a promotion
It appears as though Nick Robertson, through his hard work and determination, is getting an audition in the Leafs' top-6 on Saturday against the Canucks. The California kid has been on the 4th line since being called up last month, but Sheldon Keefe has clearly liked what he has seen in Robertson's limited minutes.
Robertson will play on the left wing alongside John Tavares and William Nylander on Saturday, while Alex Kerfoot will take over 4th line Centre duties. It's no secret that the Leafs' second line has been struggling to produce lately. Adding some youthful exuberance and Robertson's fantastic shot should be a welcome boost for them.
The 20-year-old has had a rough road back to the NHL since being called up as an 18-year-old in the 2019-20 playoffs. A knee injury followed by a broken leg have seen him spend more time on crutches than on skates. Based on his first few games back, the injuries haven't slowed him down. He's been fast and tenacious on the 4th line, but a skilled player like Robertson needs to play with other skilled players to be effective.
If Robertson is successful as a top-6 winger he could fill a need for the Leafs that they would otherwise need to address at the trade deadline. Having him audition in that spot now is a smart move from Dubas and Keefe that could save the Leafs assets and cap space to improve the defense.
| POLL | ||
MARS 4 | 199 ANSWERS Nick Robertson appears to be getting a promotion Will Nick Robertson be the boost that Tavares and Nylander need? | ||
| Yes | 94 | 47.2 % |
| No | 57 | 28.6 % |
| He should be used as trade bait | 48 | 24.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
