Updated Scouting Report Regarding Nick Robertson.

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January 15, 2020 (2:58 PM)

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While there's lots of hype around the Toronto Maple Leafs' defensive prospects, Nick Robertson has made lots of noise for himself lately. Unfortunately Team USA and Robertson had a disappointing show at the World Juniors. While Team USA didn't do much, Robertson turned some heads and registered five points in five games. That showing has seen climb up some prospect lists including Corey Pronman's latest prospect rankings for The Athletic. Nick Robertson ranked in at #11 at Pronman's midseason ranking. Check out the write up on Robertson:"Yes, Robertson is rated this high despite being a late second-round pick six months ago. No, I'm not rating him high because he's a Leafs prospect and trying to get clicks. If he got traded tomorrow, I would still love him, except if he went to your favorite team. I know many are going to see this and have feelings.Robertson is a player I rated highly last season as a bubble first-round pick. I gave a first-round grade on his toolkit, but he was inconsistent last season albeit as one of the draft's youngest players. Since then he had an excellent U20 summer tournament and NHL camp, and a fantastic first half in the OHL where he's producing a goal per game and five shots per game. He also played the most minutes of any USA forward at the world juniors despite being their youngest forward.Robertson's toolkit is great and he has the ability to take over a shift. He's got the hands to dangle at a high level, and despite not having a lot of assists, his vision is of the highest grades. I may be biased because I've been in attendance for some of his highlight reel assists, but I do think his hockey IQ is elite. He also has a great shot and can pick corners from long-distance. He's small and has an awkward skating stride, but he competes very hard and earns the praise of any coach he plays for because of his work ethic. The size/skating and injuries the past two seasons are concerns (I've had NHL scouts express durability questions on him), but from watching Robertson a lot the last year, I'm on board with him becoming a future top NHL player."

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