Nick Robertson
Finally, no one had more to prove coming into the 2024-25 season than Nick Robertson. After being snake-bitten with unfortunate injuries earlier in his career, Robertson finally saw his first full season with the Leafs in 2023-24. Despite not being comsistently in the Leafs everyday lineup, he managed to put up 14 goals and 13 assists for 27 points in 56 games played, averaging close to 0.5 ppg in the process. However, his performance in the playoffs left a lot to be desired as he was held scoreless in the six games that he appeared in.
Despite his solid performance overall, Robertson nonetheless felt he was underused this past season and demanded for a potential trade during the 2024 offseason, as he looked for greater opportunities to showcase his talents.
In the end, he re-signed with the Leafs on a one-year deal as Berube gave him the vote of confidence that he would be given all the chances to show what he has got. (All stats from NHL.com and naturalstattrick.com, and all salaries from PuckPedia.com)
It appeared as though things were on the way up when Robertson was by far one of the Maple Leafs best players during training camp. He led the team with 5 goals on 11 shots during the preseason over 4 games played.
More importantly, the intensity and hunger that he played with felt like this will be finally his breakout season coming up.
However, Robertson had been held scoreless in his first six games of the 2024-25 season before finally getting on the scoreboard on Tuesday against the Blue Jackets. For someone that thrives on scoring with his lethal shot, he currently isn’t producing enough to warrant him a permanent fixture in the everyday lineup.
His $875,000 AAV salary may not be an issue, but if he continues to underwhelm in his performance despite getting a fair opportunity, a change of scenery may be the exact antidote to get him back on track.