Why Keeping Nick Robertson Is Key for the Toronto Maple Leafs 2024/25 Season
After much deliberation, a possible hold-out, and analyst (as well as fan) speculation, the Toronto Maple Leafs Nick Robertson saga - if you could even call it that - has come to a close.
Officially, Nick Robertson has signed a 1-year, $875,000 contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the upcoming 2024/2025 season. Love it or hate it, this is crucial for the Leafs as they head into training camp and pre-season in the coming weeks.
Keeping Nick Robertson on the Toronto Maple Leafs roster for the 2024/25 season could be a pivotal move for the team, especially as they look to strengthen their depth and add a dynamic element to their lineup.
Robertson, is a promising young forward with a high offensive ceiling, and brings several key qualities that could make a difference as the Leafs aim for a deep playoff run.
Why Keeping Nick Robertson Is Key for the Toronto Maple Leafs 2024/25 Season
Firstly, Robertson has consistently demonstrated his goal-scoring ability at various levels, particularly in junior hockey, where he scored 55 goals in 46 games during the 2019-20 OHL season with the Peterborough Petes.
His speed, shot, and offensive instincts set him apart as a top-six winger (at worst, a good third-line option). Despite battling injuries that have hindered his NHL progression, Robertson has the skill set to make an impact.
Keeping him in the lineup gives the Leafs a potential game-breaker who can score in crucial moments, a necessity for a team that has struggled with secondary scoring in the playoffs. Last season, in a severely limited role, Robertson was able to string together 27 points in 56 appearances for the Leafs while with the big boy club. Imagine the potential Robertson has if he plays in a larger, more expanded role. This can help the entire team build chemistry and bring consistency in the lineup. (naturalstattrick.com).
Robertson provides versatility for the Leafs. We saw it (albeit, barely) last season under Keefe. Robertson was able to adapt to whatever role was required from him, playing both on the top line down to the fourth. His ability to play both the left side and right allows coaches to put him a variety of situations and scenarios.
With injuries and the overall grind of an 82-game season, depth will be a key factor for Toronto as they try to set themselves up for success not only in the regular season, but the post-season as well. Having a player like Robertson, who can move up and down the lineup, provides the Leafs with flexibility and more line combinations to test throughout the season.
Overall, this is an ideal outcome of what could have been a lengthy holdout. Robertson is young (23 by the start of the season) and has potential, why not give him a fair chance to show the Leafs what he is capable of?
I see a plethora of fans on Twitter (you can find me @NicolasJFerrari) assume the worst will come out of this scenario. Robertson will play poorly, and thus leave next year as a free agent. I don’t see a lot of fans assuming the best possible outcome, that the Toronto Maple Leafs just signed a Top 6 forward for the league minimum.
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Robertson’s offensive production and versatility make him a valuable depth piece, especially given the Leafs' salary cap constraints. Let’s all take a breath and relax before the real stress begins in October.