Leafs GM Appears to Have Made an Important Decision Regarding Nick Robertson

The summer began with a surprising trade request and eventually ended with with the two sides agreeing on a 1-year deal.

Robertson has scored the last five goals for the Leafs in the pre-season, and while he has always been known as a scorer, it has been his play away from the puck that has impressed the Leafs' brass. Brad Treliving appeared on the Fan590, 'Overdrive' and had a 1-on-1 interview with TSN's Darren Dreger where he praised Robertson's growth on his play away from the puck and seemingly confirmed his roster spot multiple times.

In his sit-down interview with Dreger, he was asked point blank if he was on the team for opening night and later in the day confirmed that Robertson's defensive growth is why he will be given the opportunity to be on the Leafs' opening night roster.

Robertson scored 14 goals in 56 games for the Leafs last season and with the departure of Tyler Bertuzzi who left for Chicago, Robertson's offense will be needed to help replace the 21 goals scored by Bertuzzi. Throughout the pre-season, Robertson has shown tremendous growth on the defensive side of the puck as Treliving pointed out and the offense has come from that. It will be something that the Leafs will hope continues and something that Robertson needs to continue in order to remain in the lineup.

So far, things have gone very well for the 23-year-old and Craig Berube has even rewarded his defensive growth with opportunities to kill penalties. Should he maintain his defensive play, Robertson will likely get plenty of opportunity to play in the Leafs' top-six or at least increased playing time.