Toronto Maple Leafs: Reviewing each top prospects season

Nick Robertson

The leap Robertson took has made him one of the more talked about prospects in hockey — it probably helps that he was drafted by the Leafs — and to be fair, he deserves it.

The 19-year-old went from scoring 27 goals and 55 points in 54 games to 55 goals and 86 points in 46 games. As Luke Fox of Sportsnet points out, Robertson’s 1.20 goals-per-game pace has not been done in the OHL since Eric Lindros had a 1.25 pace during the 1990-91 season.

While the goal-scoring is certainly impressive, Robertson admits that there are areas he wants to address in order to prepare for his audition next season in Toronto.

"“I’m trying to pack on a little weight,” forward said on Sportsnet 590’s Good Show. “Not significant but I need to get a little thicker and stronger and faster. I think that’s always been a cliché but for me I think I have the tools regarding the skill and the passing, the shooting, everything like that but I think I need to get a little bit faster, stronger and bigger to withstand those big defencemen in the corners – not only just to take a hit but to be still elusive but balanced on my feet.”"

Paul Taylor brought up the idea of Robertson getting an extended audition in training camp next season and you can bet it will be a major talking point. Sure, the decision would be easier if the California native could go right to the AHL but putting the second-rounder in a position to make the decision for the team rather than forcing the issue should be beneficial.

To give you an idea of the type of value Robertson brings, you can make the case that it’s similar to when the Chicago Blackhawks picked Alex DeBrincat at 39th overall in 2016. However, one difference is that you could easily make the case that DeBrincat was overlooked considering he had over 100 points, Robertson was a bit more under the radar.

Regardless, the Leafs have a lot to be excited about with the sniper.