Highly touted Toronto Maple Leafs prospect recognized with a prestigious award.
Nick Robertson, 2019 2nd round draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has been recognized as the most sportsmanlike player in the Canadian Major-Junior system, covering the OHL, WHL, and QMJHL.
The Peterborough Petes’ star forward scored 55 goals in 46 games this past season, a 1.20 goals-per-game pace that hasn’t been seen in the CHL since the early ’90s.
He added 31 assists for a total of 86 points and only 40 penalty minutes. Despite missing 16 games due to injury and representing the United States at the World Juniors, Robertson finished 10th overall in OHL scoring and was awarded the William Hanley Trophy for being the OHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player.
Robertson also won five of the Petes’ internal team awards, being voted team MVP by his peers, the Outboard Marines Veteran Trophy for combining sportsmanship and ability, as well as the awards for most points, most goals, and the Molson Cup Three Star Award.
In a statement to Sportsnet on winning the CHL Sportsman of the Year, Robertson said “I want to thank the CHL for awarding me the most sportsmanlike player of the year. I just want to thank my organization, the Peterborough Petes as well as the GM Mike Oke, head coach Rob Wilson, and my teammates. And finally, I’d like to thank the fans in Peterborough for all of their support and making it an electrifying building every night. I hope everyone stays safe and healthy.”
Robertson’s junior career may be finished, as he is expected to be a big part of the Toronto Maple Leafs, starting as soon as play resumes.
The Leafs have said he will be on the expanded roster when the Playoffs start, and he may already be the team’s top prospect, depending on your view. At worst, he is the team’s best second best prospect behind Rasmus Sandin, who has most likely already graduated to the NHL full time.
Kyle Dubas has gone on record stating that Robertson will be given every opportunity to make an impact on the roster as soon as training camps open, so fans won’t have to wait much longer to see if the kid can make an immediate splash in the NHL.
Robertson is shaping up to be a home-run draft pick, and has already given the Leafs a first round worthy prospect from the second round. His potential is limitless and it will be exciting to see if he plays this summer.