Editor In Leaf
Fansided

4 Marlies that Deserve Being Called Up to the Toronto Maple Leafs

By Stephen Nixon

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 18: Timothy Liljegren #37 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates in his 1st NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Scotiabank Arena on January 18, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blackhawks defeated the Maple Leafs 6-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 18: Timothy Liljegren #37 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates in his 1st NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Scotiabank Arena on January 18, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blackhawks defeated the Maple Leafs 6-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Toronto Maple Leafs
Jul 13, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Maple Leafs . Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Nick Robertson

The obvious choice for a call-up this season is Nick Robertson, who probably wouldn’t have even been with the Marlies if it wasn’t for an injury he suffered in his first game of the season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs roster is already filled with crazy offensive talent, but Robertson’s arrival would boost that production even more. In a normal world, the 19-year-old wouldn’t even be allowed to play in the AHL, but based on the OHL shutdown, this could be the best thing that can happen to his development.

Jumping from junior to the NHL is tough for any prospect, no matter how talented they are. Robertson can now play against men and get prepared for his next step by playing with the Marlies. In six games this season, Robertson has one goal and four points.

His production isn’t mind-blowing or anything, but if you’ve watched the games, you’ve noticed him every time he steps on the ice. His speed, creativeness and ability to play a two-way game is something that’s been very exciting to see. He’s clearly in a class all by himself and the most exciting prospect we’ve seen come up since Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner arrived.

Drafted 53rd overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, it’s possible that Robertson will rise to a top-five pick in that draft once his career is over.

Next. Leafs Should Trade for Taylor Hall. dark

Personally, I’d love to see Robertson play half the season in the AHL before getting called up to the NHL, just so he’s not rusty upon arrival. Similar to the Kasperi Kapanen call-up before the NHL playoffs a few years ago, the former Peterborough Pete could provide a huge spark to the team as they get set for their Stanley Cup run.

Home/Editorials