Nick Robertson's Early Season Struggles: Should the Maple Leafs Sit Him After 5 Games?

A lot of headlines in the summer for the Maple Leafs was the status of Nick Robertson. RFA was holding out for a trade and didn't feel like he was getting enough respect in addition to a lack of playing time. Toronto convinced him that this year would be different and Robertson eventually relented, signing a one-year deal a few weeks before the season. Showing new life, Robertson set the preseason ablaze for Toronto as he came out of the gate with five goals and looked to have a new lease on his career.

So it's astounding that so far through five games, Robertson has yet to record a point, and even wilder is the fact he's an even +/- of 0; he hasn't even been on the ice when a goal was scored for or against Toronto:

It's worrying to see given that Robertson has had ample opportunities to score, and the thought of being placed with a veteran like John Tavares would be able to unlock the potential he displays. It's a slight positive to see he hasn't been on the ice for a goal against, and his defensive work has shown significant improvement but the goose-egg on the scoresheet is almost a detriment to the Maple Leafs. Averaging about the same amount of time as he did under Sheldon Keefe, it feels like Groundhog Day for Robertson. Only scoring 34 points in 92 games, Robertson has the potential to be a 60-70 point scorer but he needs both time and production in order to get there.

So maybe Toronto needs to sit him. Not for any sort of punishment due to his lack of production, but just for a mental reset. He hasn't looked bad, but he hasn't looked like he did in the preseason and something isn't clicking right now. Far too often players have a chip on their shoulder and it affects their play on the ice, and though we've seen recently players taking more care of their mental health; a breather might be necessary.

Robertson being a non-factor isn't the end of the world, there is still plenty of time for him to pick things up. With Max Pacioretty being a healthy scratch, and the return of Calle Jarnkrok, Toronto can sit Robertson for a few games if he doesn't get the ball rolling. Granted, Toronto should stick with him for now and five games into the season is no indicator of how a season will go, but the optics are scary. With many coaches and scouts in town to take a look at potential Maple Leafs they would like to snatch up, Robertson's disappearance is both a blessing and a curse. If he was playing out of his mind, teams could offer a lucrative package for Toronto and try to get Robertson before he reaches his prime; but with him struggling it gives the Maple Leafs a chance to hold onto him a bit longer and see what he can bring to the team.

Nick Robertson's struggles haven't helped or hindered the Maple Leafs, but if they want to make sure they get the best out of their young forward, perhaps letting him reset himself and gather focus so he can come back stronger, faster, and more confident than ever.