Nick Robertson headlines 10 players sent down to the Toronto Marlies
Leafs GM Brad Treliving and AGM Brandon Pridham remain hard at work, finding a way to make the team cap compliant by today's 5pm deadline. After waiving 6 members of the team, including veteran netminder Martin Jones on Sunday, and trading depth winger Sam Lafferty to the Vancouver Canucks for a mid-round draft pick, the team has now sent 7 forwards, 2 defensemen and a goalie down to the AHL's Toronto Marlies on Monday.
Nicholas Robertson headlines a group of players who have been re-assigned to the Marlies, with the other 9 demotions stacking up as follows:
F Nick Abruzzese
F Max Ellis
G Dennis Hildeby
F Roni Hirvonen
F Pontus Holmberg
D Topi Niemelä
D Marshall Rifai
F Logan Shaw
F Ryan Tverberg
Robertson, drafted 53rd overall by the Leafs in 2019, has had a tough time sticking in the NHL, largely due to a bevy of injury issues over the past few seasons, after making his NHL debut in the playoffs in the Toronto-based bubble during the COVID-19 disrupted 2019-20 campaign.
After a sensational training camp last fall, Robertson appeared poised for a breakout season in 2022-23. However, a hard hit from Kings defenseman Matt Roy and an awkward fall into the boards derailed Robertson's season, resulting in season-ending shoulder surgery. Now, a lackluster pre-season has Robertson destined to begin the year in he AHL.
It hasn't been an easy road for Robertson, but then again, he has had to overcome some significant hurdles throughout his entire life. He now has an opportunity to build some confidence in the AHL and the ability to show the Leafs through his play in the minors that he can dominate. Aside from an injury to someone on the NHL roster, that will be the quickest way to make his way back to the big leagues.
The younger brother of Dallas Stars franchise winger Jason Robertson, Nick has amassed just 7 career NHL points over 31 games, scattered over parts of 3 seasons. At 22 years of age, he needs to show the organization that he can not only stay healthy, but be productive as well. Until then, his pursuit of a full-time NHL roster spot continues.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 9 | 222 ANSWERS Nick Robertson headlines 10 players sent down to the Toronto Marlies How many games will Nick Robertson play in the AHL before he's called up by the Leafs? | ||
| 10 or less | 49 | 22.1 % |
| 11-20 | 63 | 28.4 % |
| 21-30 | 40 | 18 % |
| More than 30 games | 70 | 31.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
