Nick Robertson was dealt to Pittsburgh this summer and is already getting a chance to shine alongside Sidney Crosby; a role he never got to explore in Toronto.
When the Toronto Maple Leafs traded Nick Robertson to the Pittsburgh Penguins this past summer, it was meant as a way to revamp the lineup while giving him a chance to shine elsewhere after not getting a real shot in Toronto's top-six.
Nick Robertson finds a new role alongside Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh
But the polarizing forward has instantly impressed, with Robertson getting the opportunity to play alongside Sidney Crosby:
-
The general sentiment around camp is that Robertson and Crosby have been a fantastic duo, with chemistry already reaching mid-season levels, and observers have noticed a serious change in Robertson's efforts:
-
Robertson admitted that Crosby has been setting the tone all camp, and he and the rest of the Penguins teammates are just trying to keep pace:
He's such a hard worker. He's been here for so long. It's so easy for guys to take a back seat in camp, and he's giving a great effort out there. For how long he's been here, he's setting the tone for me and the rest of the guys.
-
It's not guaranteed that Robertson will end up in the top-six though head coach Dan Muse has used him alongside Crosby in all three practices thus far, so there's serious potential for him to find his footing for the first time in his career.
Nick Robertson always had the talent, but never the confidence
Robertson's ability was never in question, which is why his tenure was so frustrating. He could've been a top-six star but he never pushed himself to that next level, and while he showed glimpses of scoring touch - he'd often go a dozen games without getting any points.
The consistency was never there, and that led to a lack of confidence from both Robertson and his coaches. The more he was unable to prove himself, the further down the lineup he went. Despite a career year last year, it was only 16 goals and 32 points in 78 games.
For a player who was expected to be a top-six force alongside Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares, Robertson struggled to find his true place in the lineup and Toronto couldn't wait around to see what he has any longer.
They may regret that decision however if Robertson and Crosby become a deadly duo - especially since Toronto could have done the same thing but never really tried.
Do you think Nick Robertson will score 20 goals alongside Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
19-year-old Maple Leafs prospect delivers stunning disappointment during preseason tilt