Nick Robertson called out in the media by Leafs management
“Everyone has to earn their stripes.”
Earlier this week the Toronto Maple Leafs officially re-signed restricted free agent (RFA) forward Nick Robertson to a one year deal worth $875,000.
From the Leafs:
The 22 year old former OHL scoring phenom had reportedly requested a trade earlier this offseason as he was looking for a fresh start in the NHL. New Leafs head coach Craig Berube though reportedly met with Robertson in an effort to change the young man's mind. Berube assured Robertson that he'd get a fair shot to secure a regular spot on the Leafs' left-side and evidently it worked because Robertson is now coming to camp on a new deal.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported though that, despite signing a new deal, a Nick Robertson trade is still on the table.
It's also worth noting that GM Brad Treliving scoured the market for a trade but was unable to find anything worthwhile in exchange for Robertson. Today Treliving was asked about Robertson and his path to becoming a regular, everyday roster player with the Leafs and... well... the veteran GM didn't mince words. The ball is in Robertson's court. He'll need to round out his game if he's going to stick in the NHL.
From Treliving:
I have a good relationship with Nick. We talked throughout the summer. You explain, “Here is the situation.” Everyone has to earn their stripes.
You’d have to ask him, but Nick has gone through some stuff here, right? Some of it has been injury-related, and sometimes, with young players, their game is still evolving.
I like Nick. He shoots it in the net. You have to do other things, too. You have to round out your game. You have to be a complete player. But it is a fresh, clean slate with a new coach and a new opportunity.
In the last couple of days that he has been here, he’s excited. I am looking forward to seeing him.
- Brad Treliving
I gotta say...
I still wouldn't be surprised if Robertson ends up in a new locale before the puck drops on the 2024-25 season.
