Berube Admits Nicholas Robertson’s Incredible Work Ethic Forcing Leafs’ Hand
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Nick Robertson’s work ethic and scoring touch are turning heads in Toronto as Craig Berube gives the young forward a real shot in the Maple Leafs’ top six.
In the light of the Maple Leafs’ tough win against a good home team in the Philadelphia Flyers, it seems the team is finally getting buy-in and production from several players at just the right time.
After a multi-point game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, Robertson seems to slowly playing his way into becoming a permanent fixture in the Leafs’ top six.
Berube Reveals Robertson Has Been a Victim of Circumstance
Following a 5-2 win over the Flyers, Berube revealed that Robertson’s perceived lack of opportunity was not about his lack of belief in the player, but more about the role he was cast in last year, versus the one he’s been cast in this season.
Last year, he was basically mostly a third-line player… This year, we have different players, so we gave him a look up there. He’s doing a good job. It is not about us not giving him a shot up there. With these guys, it is where they’re slotted. We have some different people this year. He has gone up there and done a good job.
Craig Berube’s comments shed light on a couple things. One being that Robertson was not previously viewed as a top line player, and the other being that he has the work ethic to succeed in any role.
With Robby, it is just effort, right? If you look back before he scored that goal, he had two big blocks in the third. His speed and shot are dangerous. His work ethic drives everything with him for me.
Again, just pure praise for Robertson, who has wanted a bigger role. If Nick Robertson’s play keeps up at this pace, with his mix of skill and drive, his days of being slotted in the bottom six could over, ushering in a new era of top-six minutes and a huge opportunity to prove himself.
Previously on Maple Leafs Daily