The Toronto Maple Leafs have some pretty big decisions to make in the coming days before puck drop.
One factor in who the Toronto Maple Leafs ultimately end up keeping on their roster will be the salary cap. The Leafs are currently over the cap and will need to promote cheaper players this year in order to get compliant.
Many fans want to see Nick Robertson breakthrough this year and shore up the Leafs second line left wing gap that has plagued them for a few years now. Robertson is the team’s current top prospect and likely ready to be an NHL regular.
During the preseason so far, both Roberston and Denis Malgin have impressed putting up a team leading seven and six points respectively in four games. (not including last night’s game).
Sure it’s preseason hockey but both have made considerable strides in there game and always seem to be creating scoring chances.
The Benefits to the Toronto Maple Leafs by Playing Nick Robertson
There is a little secret in the NHL not often talked about positively and that is the rookie scoring bump. Usually this is seen as a negative as sophomore slumps are soon to follow. However in the Leafs “win now” mode this could be Nick Robertson’s golden ticket.
Rookies face a lot of challenges in the NHL but one of their greatest strengths is the element of surprise. Being an unknown allows them to keep their opponents guessing and not have to worry about reinventing their game constantly.
Teams get scouting reports on all players but nothing quite compares to playing against the real thing. If you have no experience against a rookie it’s hard to judge what their going to do, where a veteran defenseman will have a easier time recognizing Matthews signature toe-drag.
The toe-drag is and example of what all great shot coaches in the NHL talk about which is changing the angle of the puck. The reason being if the goalie can square up to the puck there’s almost nowhere for you to shoot. However if you can get them to square up and then you’re able to change the angle, all of a sudden you have a lot more net to shoot at.
When Matthews broke into the league he was a phenom. Goalies had no idea what hit them. he could shoot on his left foot, on his right foot, in transition, in tight, out stretched, it didn’t matter. Scoring is like a game of cat and mouse with the goalie. It’s much more about anticipation for them then reflexes. If you can surprise them, you can beat them
Robertson has a chance to to breakthrough here and be a real surprise weapon for the Maple Leafs. The kid can shoot. Matthews himself has said that no one rips it harder. As a relative unknown in this league I can see a huge rookie season for Nick Roberston.