Robertson fired up for season, doesn't ''give a f***'' that his name isn't what it used to be
In the past, Nick Robertson and injury issues have gone hand-in-hand, but the 22-year-old has high hopes for the 2023-24 season, hoping to leave the durability concerns in the past.
Robertson has played just 31 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs across 3 seasons. He hasn't faired much better in the AHL, appearing in just 51 career games over that same 3-year span. His latest injury occurred on December 8th, 2022 after a hit from Kings defenseman Matt Roy sent him crashing awkwardly into the boards. The shoulder injury was severe enough that it ended his season and forced season-ending surgery. Now a full participant in Leafs training camp, Robertson is determined to get going this season in hopes of establishing himself as a full-time NHLer.
While Robertson was away, he has been surpassed on the depth chart by rookie sensation Matthew Knies, so with less space available on the roster, Robertson will have to be that much more impressive to avoid beginning the season in the AHL.
Robertson is fully aware that there are major health concerns and that the view of him as a potential star in this league has changed some over the past couple of years. Still, even with the scent of doubt in the air, Robertson is attempting to block out all of the noise because, in his mind, he knows exactly what he's capable of.
"I know my name isn't what it used to be. I don't give a f**k... I didn't think [my injury] was season-ending at all... In the long run, I know this is an important year for me. I didn't want to miss training camp. It [surgery] was a tough decision for me. It really was. But it was something I had to be mature about."
Robertson was told that he may have been willing to return last season, but that the risk of re-injury was in the 70-90 percent range and may eventually require surgery anyway. As Robertson mentioned, he didn't want to risk missing training camp, so he opted for the season-ending surgery to ensure that he'd be good to go in time for camp.
"I don't regret it one bit. It was the best decision for me. I don't want to play hindered." - Robertson on opting for surgery last season
As far as what the Leafs' brass needs to see from Robertson at camp in order for him to make the team, Sheldon Keefe revealed this week that he wants Robertson to "make it obvious that he belongs on the team".
"It would be pretty similar to his position last summer. Worry about his game, go out, play, compete, and make it obvious that he belongs on the team, can help the team, and can play in the league. I think he has done that at different times here and there. His ability to find ways to produce consistently in the regular season has been a challenge like it is for a lot of young players. He has to find his way through that." - Keefe on Robertson
Robertson was a standout at last year's training camp and still wound up starting the season in the American Hockey League due to cap constraints and being waiver eligible. Since he's still waiver eligible this season, he'll have to really put his best foot forward in camp to force Treliving's hand, allowing him to remain in the NHL for the season opener on October 11th.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 24 | 244 ANSWERS Robertson fired up for season, doesn't ''give a f***'' that his name isn't what it used to be Will Nick Robertson win a spot on the Leafs out of training camp? | ||
| Yes | 119 | 48.8 % |
| No | 125 | 51.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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