No. 6: Will Nick Robertson Be An Everyday NHLer?
You’re either completely on-board with Robertson as an everyday NHLer, or you think he’ll be a bust.
I’m leaning bust, but as an optimistic Leafs fan, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this is the year that Robertson finally establishes himself as an everyday NHLer.
I know that the OHL isn’t the NHL, but at the same time, it feels impossible that a player can score 55 goals in 46 OHL games and not be an everyday NHLer. I know he only has two points in 16 NHL games, but those stats are jaded.
He wasn’t given a real opportunity in the top-six and hasn’t had a steady run to show what he’s made of. Instead, he’ll show up for a few games, go back to the AHL and then rise and repeat.
In 28 games in the AHL last season, Robertson had 28 points (16 goals, 12 assists). That’s impressive, but the 16 goals was even more stunning. That’s a 47-goal pace at the AHL-level, which means he should be on his way to a minimum of 20-25 goals in the NHL.
Robertson needs to be given the first month in the Leafs top-six. Personally, I’d love to see him on a line with John Tavares and Mitch Marner, and then Matthews with Michael Bunting and William Nylander, but regardless, he needs to be paired with a legit centre and winger.
If given that opportunity, I think he’ll shine and he’ll establish himself as an everyday NHLer and a top-six forward on the Leafs this year.