Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers – Imagn Images
On the outside looking in again, Maple Leafs forward Nicholas Robertson has addressed the elephant in the room in Toronto amid roster logjam.
There now seems to be 3 certainties in life: death, taxes, and Leafs winger Nicholas Robertson fighting for a roster spot in training camp.
The Toronto Maple Leafs forward is once again on the outside looking in ahead of the season opener with plenty of competition vying for limited roster spots.
The Leafs’ lineup is going to look a lot different from the one that was ousted in the second round of the playoffs against the Florida Panthers last year. Robertson had troubles getting into the lineup then, and once you add all the new faces into the mix, there doesn’t seem to be room for the former second rounder.
Despite the steep odds, Robertson is trying to stay upbeat as he describes the situation and explained his current mindset to TSN’s Mark Masters this week.
Something I’ve dealt with before. You want to be playing more & in that consistent lineup, but it is what it is. Season starts in about a week & anything can change. You just got to be confident & play well.
If it’s any consolation to Robertson, head coach Craig Berube reiterated that the diminutive forward is still a big part of the team, and if he continues to work hard, his time will come to showcase his value to the team on the ice.
He’s part of this team and he’s a big part of this team, and that never was not said or anything. Like, he’s in here. We know what he can do. Nick’s got speed. He’s tenacious, plays hard and can shoot a puck in the net. I thought he had a good camp. I really did.
Robertson dressed in last night’s pre-season finale that had a lot of the non-NHL players playing, which further cements his position as a press box visitor once the season begins.
Until then, it seems like he’s just going to have to continue working hard in practice and winning over the attention of the coaching staff with smart reads, consistent play, and a little tenacity.
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Maple Leafs Forward Nicholas Robertson Addresses the Elephant in the Room in Toronto
Should Nicholas Robertson be in the opening night lineup?