Nick Robertson’s position with the Toronto Maple Leafs has always been uncertain. A series of injuries, coupled with his struggle to secure a permanent spot in Sheldon Keefe’s lineup, raised many questions as summer began and his contract expired.

Then, a surprising trade request and a summer full of speculation followed. However, things began to turn around when Robertson re-signed just before training camp, making him seem like a sure bet for a spot on the roster. Yet, questions about his long-term fit with the team lingered.

Those doubts became more pressing with the addition of Max Pacioretty and the rise of Matthew Knies as the Leafs’ top-line left winger.

So, where did this leave Robertson?

Nick Robertson’s strong performances could outweigh his setbacks
Robertson made an impact in his first preseason game, netting a goal against the Montreal Canadiens. Things were looking positive, but an incident involving a “push” on Nylander could have derailed his role on the team. Thankfully, Nylander wasn’t seriously injured, and reports suggest there’s no bad blood between the two.

Leafs coach Craig Berube, in a bid to find Robertson a spot in the lineup, decided to move him to the right wing, given the crowded competition at left wing with players like Max Pacioretty. This switch seems to be paying off, as Robertson has been playing with energy and producing results. However, the Nylander incident hinted that Robertson might not be ready for a full-time, top-six NHL role.

But Berube remained committed to Nylander, and then something remarkable happened.

Nick Robertson rewarded Berube’s trust with an outstanding performance
Initially, I thought Robertson would be benched after the push on Nylander, especially considering Berube’s old-school coaching style that emphasizes toughness and accountability. However, such plays aren’t entirely uncommon.

On Saturday night, Robertson was in the lineup against the Canadiens. While another coach might have sidelined him, Berube saw the play for what it was—a fluke—and Robertson delivered. He scored both of Toronto’s goals, securing a 2-1 victory over their Original Six rivals. Berube deserves credit for looking past the incident and recognizing the potential in Robertson.

Robertson demonstrated his offensive ability last year in limited, though sheltered, minutes. While it’s too soon to say he’ll be a long-term top-six player, his recent performances suggest he’s deserving of a shot at playing alongside one of the Leafs’ top centers.