Toronto Maple Leafs: Nick Robertson making strides among top prospects
Nick Robertson has been on a tear this season in the OHL putting him on the path to be the Toronto Maple Leafs next top prospect.
While Rasmus Sandin holds the label as the Toronto Maple Leafs top prospect but it won’t be long until Nick Robertson overtakes him.
It’s hard to not scroll through Twitter without seeing a highlight of Robertson scoring a goal for the Peterborough Petes. It has been the common thing since the Leafs took him in the second round (53rd overall) during the 2019 NHL Draft.
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The Leafs did not own a first-round pick in that draft but so far you can say that Robertson is providing that value. In 31 games in the OHL, Robertson has 34 goals and 52 points.
He was also a member of Team USA for the World Juniors putting up five points in five games. If the Petes can go on a long playoff run, then we might get to see Robertson on another big stage at the Memorial Cup.
Does the Arcadia, Calif., native see himself making a case to be on the Leafs next season?
"“You never know what’s going to happen next year,” Robertson told Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun. “The Leafs have had a coaching change and (Sheldon Keefe) is calling up players that maybe wouldn’t get a shot under (Mike) Babcock. Nothing against (Babcock), but they definitely have different minds.“Whether the percentage is low or high, you always got a shot and you have to take it.”"
Already signed to an entry-level deal, Robertson could make the jump if his skills translate well to the NHL. He has the shot and is relentless with his puck pursuit.
At the same time, he’s only 18-years-old and will be 19 when training camp rolls around next season. It’ll be a longshot to expect Robertson to be ready to make the transition to the NHL.
Craig Button had Robertson ranked 17th on his prospects list while Sandin was sixth. It’s an impressive jump for a player that probably wasn’t on a lot of teams board early in the draft and probably should be.
Rasmus Sandin showing great poise. dark. Next
What do you think about Robertson’s breakout season? How much will you be following him for the rest of the season? Let us know in the comments below.