What are the Leafs planning to do with Nick Robertson?
20-year-old prospect Nick Robertson has been mentioned frequently on social media by countless members of Leafs Nation. The hype train has been derailed a few times due to injury, but when healthy, that train continues full steam ahead.
With his recent call up from the Marlies following time on the shelf due to injury and with the trade deadline looming, some fans are willing to deal him for anything while others consider him untouchable. It all depends on who you ask.
With 1G and 1A in 13 games played (as per NHL.com) it is an admittedly small sample size. This fan feels as though Robertson rarely "moves the needle" and isn't very noticeable on many nights. Some that follow the team feel he could be like his older brother Jason (currently playing with the Stars in Dallas) and that excites them. However, he's much smaller than his brother, and I'm not so sure he finds the same level of success in the big show.
You could make the argument that the team already has a slew of small-ish forwards with offensive upside to their game in the prospect pool. You could also make the argument that, due to the salary cap, the team will need a stock of solid players on entry level deals in order to ice a complete team.
But, and this is something significant to consider: There are holes to fill if this current team wants to go deep, and one has to wonder how desperate Kyle Dubas is for a winning playoff round and whether or not he feels he's in the hot seat and if this spring's performance will 'make or break' his tenure as Leafs GM.
Robertson, even with his lack of production at the NHL level and his injury history, is still a valuable piece for the organization - be it as a player or as an asset to use in order to secure an upgrade in the lineup. It was not long ago where he was scoring at a goal-per-game in the OHL. GM's and scouts don't forget those things. That said, the California kid has yet to bear fruit for the Buds at the NHL level and there's no guarantee that he'll be playing in the playoffs or even finish this season with the big club.
Did the Leafs missed the mark with this pick? Is he going to pan out as hoped? Does he just need more time? Should he be dealt for a piece that can help them win now? Have your say in the poll!
| POLL | ||
MARS 3 | 302 ANSWERS What are the Leafs planning to do with Nick Robertson? Would you be willing to include Nick Roberston in a package deal for the right price? | ||
| His ceiling is too high, he needs to stay | 44 | 14.6 % |
| Only for the right return | 176 | 58.3 % |
| I'll drive him to the airport myself | 54 | 17.9 % |
| He's been unlucky with injuries and will improve | 28 | 9.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
