Nick Robertson Set for Hometown Game as He Battles for Spot in Maple Leafs Lineup
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nicholas Robertson is motivated ahead of Toronto's final preseason game as heading back to Detroit feels like a home game.
Yet another day, another Nicholas Robertson headline however this has nothing to do with a potential trade, or any lineup question marks. On the contrary, as Robertson is slotted in to make a start in Toronto's final preseason game in Detroit.
While he's still fighting for a roster spot, he's certainly motivated heading into the game, and is looking to cement himself as part of the Maple Leafs' plans for 2025-26.
Nick Robertson's Emotional Words Ahead of Hometown Game
That motivation may have something to do with the fact that heading to Detroit this Saturday has Robertson feeling a bit nostalgic.
Speaking to the media ahead of the preseason tilt, the young forward explained how it's going to feel pretty comfortable heading into Little Caesars Arena:
You gotta be your best friend in situations like this. So I'm just gonna go tomorrow and just go have some fun, enjoy playing, enjoy the opportunity in a hometown game for me.
While Robertson was born in Arcadia, California, his father is from Michigan and he spent his youth there playing hockey before heading to Toronto as a teenager and his career flourished from there.
That motivation of playing in front of friends and family, coupled with the urgent need to play well in order to make the lineup; we could expect something big from Robertson on Saturday night.
Why This Preseason Finale Could Be Critical for His Future With the Leafs
So far this preseason he's been a bit of a mixed bag, as is the status quo for the forward. In three games he has one goal and a minus-2 rating, and while that goal certainly is important, the rest of his game hasn't impressed yet.
Though with David Kampf waived and a lot of questions about who fits where in the lineup, especially with Scott Laughton out for a few weeks at least, Robertson can breathe a little easier knowing a strong performance will give him an edge.
It's unknown where Robertson is going to lineup, though if we are going with the idea that the team wants to ice their regular season lineup, we will likely see him on the fourth line wing with potentially Kampf or Steven Lorentz playing center.
Last year was disappointing for Robertson, as he did put in a career high 15 goals but only had 22 points total, was a healthy scratch a lot of the time, and already had questions about his fit after consistently complaining about playing time.
With a strong preseason game against Detroit, Robertson can give himself the best possible chance to make the team and playing in front of his hometown crowd is just the way to do it.
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