Maple Leafs Could Finally Unlock Nick Robertson's Potential with Bold Strategy Shift
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs could finally unlock Nick Robertson's offensive potential but for TSN's Overdrive panel, he may be better suited elsewhere and afforded a bigger opportunity.
With Nick Robertson back in the fold, it's not a question of if he's going to be a member of the team, but where he fits. Stuck in the bottom half of the lineup for the majority of last season (when he wasn't scratched) Robertson never really got his footing from under him.
He seems to play with a fire though when he does get a chance to play, and there's a solid chance that he could find more consistency; and probably should as this is likely a make or break year for the young forward.
Analysts Debate Nick Robertson's Fit; Believe His Chance Lies Outside Toronto
Clearly there is something hidden within Robertson just waiting to come out, and it's a matter of finding the right key to unlock it.
According to TSN's Overdrive panel, that key might be held in giving him a bigger opportunity...just not with the Maple Leafs:
For Nick Robertson, year in and year out, he's on the sidelines, you gotta put a sticker on him like 'I am the guy.'
I wonder if he's on the team opening night, I know he's been a healthy scratch and every time he comes back he scores a goal, a funny novelty we make jokes about but this guy needs a better opportunity.
It's not happening with the Leafs, he doesn't fit the identity in the bottom-six. They are getting bigger, you saw the guys they brought in.
They need to give him a bigger opportunity, but it's not with the Maple Leafs. Some teams should be interested and at least kick [the tires] on him, he's only what? 23? 24?
But he's been in the press box for the playoffs, and truly if everyone is healthy Game 1 of the playoffs, I don't see him in the lineup.
And you're paying a guy $1.825-million to sit up there?
I wonder if he's on the team opening night, I know he's been a healthy scratch and every time he comes back he scores a goal, a funny novelty we make jokes about but this guy needs a better opportunity.
It's not happening with the Leafs, he doesn't fit the identity in the bottom-six. They are getting bigger, you saw the guys they brought in.
They need to give him a bigger opportunity, but it's not with the Maple Leafs. Some teams should be interested and at least kick [the tires] on him, he's only what? 23? 24?
But he's been in the press box for the playoffs, and truly if everyone is healthy Game 1 of the playoffs, I don't see him in the lineup.
And you're paying a guy $1.825-million to sit up there?
Run The Experiment: Why Toronto Should Try Nick Robertson For Their Top-Six
The panel has a point given that Robertson is as hot and cold as can be, but perhaps the team should look to give him a bigger role on the team and it might pay off.
Robertson has had some success skating with both John Tavares and William Nylander individually over his career, and could very well find his offensive spark alongside a duo who scored 83 goals last season.
Also, in very limited time, Robertson, Knies and Matthews have worked well together so there is a possibility he could slot in up top. He's only 23 and has lots of time to grow; plus he has more upside than Max Domi so why not see what he can offer?
If Robertson is worried about getting enough playing time, he should really start to pick things up offensively. It feels like he gets into his own head too much at times.
There's a reason you made the NHL, Nick. Now go out there and show the Maple Leafs why they keep giving you chances because this might be your last.
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