Something has shifted with Nick Robertson, and the Leafs may need to try a new approach
Photo credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
For the Maple Leafs, it's time to give Nick Robertson a chance to really shine as the team's free-falling season gives him the perfect chance to showcase his talents.
It's time for the Toronto Maple Leafs to start changing things up and quickly. As losers of six straight and pretty much eliminated from any real playoff contention at this rate, if there's any chance to make a difference, now's the time.
Trade the veterans and sell high, see what prospects are potentially near the NHL level, and focus on looking towards a true improvement this summer be it by Brad Treliving or not.
Nick Robertson's time is now
But one thing the team should be doing according to one analyst concerns Nick Robertson. He's been a much better overall player this season, and it may be time to keep playing him more and more.
Sam McKee spoke on Sportsnet's Leafs Talk and he explained that Toronto's position should lead way for Robertson to play more considering how much of a shift there's been in the power dynamic:
We always talk about Nick Robertson getting traded to the Sharks and being good, but you are now the Sharks... Now is the opportunity to play him high in the lineup.
This season has been a much better season for Robertson in terms of complete play. He's physical, he's blocking shots, he's putting in a strong effort each night and has already tied his career-high in assists.
There's no harm in playing Robertson more, this season is a failure
Couple that with the fact he could still hit 20 goals and come out with 40 points this season (on the third line) the team needs to give him more of a shot.
Take a look at what Bobby McMann has been able to accomplish this season in the top-six. He's got 29 points and is on pace to smash his career highs in goals and assists and it could lead him to getting a much bigger pay day this summer.
If the Maple Leafs are going to sell, then they are going to need to see who is worth sticking around past this season. With Robertson a restricted free agent again, this is the perfect time to give him the reins and see what he does with it.
Plus, if he can get on a heater and be a focal point of the offense going forward, he may be crucial in Toronto being able to bring in the premium free agent they've been desperately searching for.
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