Robertson showing no rust in training camp, ripping two shots bar down; Treliving comments on the 22-year-old
For Nick Robertson, it hasn't been the easiest road, enduring injury after injury and delaying what should have been a promising young NHL career. Thankfully, however, he has the right work ethic and a great attitude, which has certainly allowed him to persevere where others may have given up.
After missing most of the 2021-22 season with a broken leg, Robertson came into 2022-23 with a lot to prove, putting together an explosive training camp last fall, leading many to believe he'd finally break out in his age 21 season. However, a hit from Kings defender Matt Roy derailed Robertson's season, forcing him to have season-ending shoulder surgery earlier this year, which would allow him to be ready for camp this fall.
So far, and it's very early, but Robertson does not look out of place at all, showing no signs of rust during the first on-ice sessions of training camp. Many had wondered whether his shoulder might have impacted his ability to shoot the puck like he has in the past, but the clips below will show you that he has no issues in that department:
Leafs GM Brad Treliving and coach Sheldon Keefe both expressed their level of intrigue in Robertson this week and whether or not he'll be able to challenge for a spot out of training camp. Keefe knows first hand what Robertson is capable of, but he's an unknown commodity to Treliving, who has only tape to go by to evaluate Robertson's game. Still, he remains interested to see what the now 22-year-old is able to accomplish this season.
"Nick, to me, is a guy I'm really interested in seeing. He's a driven kid. There's people that you got to sort of maybe give a boot in the rear and then there's some that you got to hold back. He's a guy that's pedal down all the time which I love. The one thing that's sort of impeded Nick is injuries, right? Which you can't control. So, what's his chances (of making the team)? Everybody's got a chance. We're going to just watch. We've got three weeks or so, we've got a bunch of preseason games, I'm looking forward to seeing him."
Day two of on-ice sessions resume on Friday, with Robertson saddling up with his Group 2 teammates, who will take on Auston Matthews and his Group 1 teammates in a scrimmage. You can see the full rosters below:
Robertson has all the tools to be a successful NHLer if he can remain healthy. At 22, if he can make the NHL, stick there and remain healthy, we may finally get a look at what he's capable of over the course of a full 82-game season.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 22 | 191 ANSWERS Robertson showing no rust in training camp, ripping two shots bar down; Treliving comments on the 22-year-old How many goals will a healthy Nick Robertson score in 2023-24? | ||
| 10 or less | 22 | 11.5 % |
| 11-20 | 98 | 51.3 % |
| 21-30 | 61 | 31.9 % |
| More than 30 | 10 | 5.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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