As noted, Robertson was a surprise addition to the team given that he has played 20 NHL games and spent plenty of time in the AHL with the Marlies as well. However, given the injury issues he has faced the past few seasons, it was a smart move by the Leafs to give the 21-year-old some runway before main camp kicks off next week.
This is almost a training camp before training camp for Robertson who is, along with the Leafs, hoping to take the next step and secure a roster spot in a crowded forward group. He has shown that when healthy, he can contribute, scoring at a 30-goal pace in the AHL last season where he skated in just 28 games.
Adding Robertson to the lineup will help the Leafs cap-wise and hopefully provide their middle-six with some offensive abilities as the Leafs have certainly made it known their fourth line and parts of their third line are there for defensive purposes.
POLL | ||
14 SEPTEMBRE | 339 ANSWERS Nick Robertson joins Leafs rookies on the ice before Traverse City Prospect Tournament Will Nick Robertson make the Leafs' roster this fall? | ||
Yes | 202 | 59.6 % |
No, he'll begin in the AHL | 137 | 40.4 % |
List of polls |