No. 2: Calder Trophy
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Owen Powers, isn’t going to be playing in the NHL this year, so it gives an opportunity to a young Toronto Maple Leafs player to steal that award.
Prior to Matthews winning this award in 2017, it had been 50 years since a Leafs player had done so. However, we shouldn’t have to wait that much longer since Nick Robertson has a legitimate shot at this award.
Cole Caufield will probably be the favorite to win this award, because he’s technically still considered a rookie, but if given a real opportunity, why can’t Robertson take a run at it?
Robertson is a skillful winger who has an unbelievable shot. If he’s paired up in the Leafs top-six, he could do some serious damage with the team’s core-four. Not too mention, his wrist shot could be a valuable piece on the man-advantage.
Now that he’s a year older and had another summer to get stronger, I’d expect Robertson to make the lineup and be a regular contributor with the Leafs. If that’s the case, watch out for him to replicate some junior magic and score a bunch of goals.