Nick Robertson's emergence presents the Maple Leafs with a tricky decision

Though it's take a bit of time for him to get hit footing underneath him, Nick Robertson is showing the Maple Leafs and their fans exactly why they were right not to give up on him just yet.

He's put up some blistering numbers recently, and there has been discussion that he could end up pulling in a deal similar to the one that Yegor Chinakhov brought back after being traded to Pittsburgh.

With the Maple Leafs needing assets and potentially able to scoop up another young player in the process, there is a world where it makes perfect sense to trade Robertson while he's hot.

But perhaps they should hold onto him because he may end up being their dark horse hero at the end of things.

Over the past six games he has seven points (2 goals, 5 assists) while also adding a plus-three, 11 shots on goal, plus he's actually getting physical with six hits in that span too.

He's bringing a lot of energy to the ice, and as we've seen recently he's starting to not only bring the offense, but defense:

Although one of the above clips is focused on Easton Cowan's interception, it was Robertson's relentless checking that led to the turnover in the first place.

We have waited for this for three years now and though he has brought a lot of frustration and inconsistency; persistence and patience pays off. This is the type of guy Toronto envisioned: a scrappy, tenacious scorer who uses his speed and quickness to frustrate opponents at both ends of the ice.

We're seeing that now plus an added physical edge and from a guy who is listed at 5'9, 180 pounds -- that's a huge bonus to the lineup.

It would be great if Toronto were to get some assets back for him, and he's worth at least a couple mid-tier to high level draft picks as well as a player; especially if he keeps up this pace.

But those assets aren't a guarantee and they aren't guaranteed to bring in someone who can replace or be better than Robertson is currently.

So it's time Toronto stopped trying to trade away their future hopes for a veteran presence. Nick Robertson is here in the now, so it's time to start using him to his full potential.