Craig Berube shares his unfiltered thoughts on Nick Robertson.

If you've been paying attention to the preseason for the Toronto Maple Leafs, even if only a little, you've probably come to the realization that things are going to be a little different this season for forward Nicholas Robertson.

Robertson has been nothing short of outstanding in the preseason for the Maple Leafs and it seems as though he is genuinely getting a fresh start under the new leadership of head coach Craig Berube.

For one reason or another, Robertson was never truly able to establish himself as a regular fixture in the Maple Leafs lineup under former head coach Sheldon Keefe, but that certainly hasn't looked like the case at all since Berube replaced Keefe behind the bench.

On Saturday, Berube was asked to share his thoughts on the biggest surprise he has encountered thus far in the preseason and, to no one's surprise, Berube sounded extremely pleased with what he has seen from the Leafs forward.

"Robertson," admitted Berube. "I knew he was skilled, fast, could shoot. But what surprised me about him is his work ethic and his competitiveness have been excellent. That's what is going to make him a real good player in this league."

Robertson of course asked for a trade over the summer and there were real questions about whether or not he would be playing for the Maple Leafs at all this season. Instead of being traded however it sounds like Robertson will be a part of the Maple Leafs opening lineup when they kick off the regular season next week, and Robertson himself sounds like he is getting what he really wanted all along.

"It means a lot," said Robertson of being in the opening lineup. "I was actually talking to my parents about it. They're going to come up for it. It's something that I now was thinking about coming to camp and I'm glad."

It sounds like Robertson may have finally found his place under Craig Berube's leadership.