Maple Leafs forward Nicholas Robertson has demonstrated that he deserves a place on the roster following a summer filled with speculation about his future.
After requesting a trade early in the off-season, Robertson and the Leafs eventually resolved their differences and agreed on a new contract. The 23-year-old has made the most of the fresh start under new head coach Craig Berube during training camp, scoring both goals in Saturday night’s victory over Montreal. After the game, Berube commended Robertson’s performance.
“He did that. It’s not just the goals; it’s his effort and overall play. His work ethic was excellent, and his competitiveness shone through. He made smart decisions with the puck, and it was great to see him score a couple of goals for us.”
Recently, Robertson spoke with The Athletic’s Joshua Kloke about his trade request, rumors, and new contract.
“I knew something was going to happen,” he said. “Would I prefer an eight-year deal with a lot of money? Sure. But you have to be realistic. My agent thought a one-year deal was best, so I’ll focus on my game, whether it’s one, two, or eight years. I’m happy to be back in Toronto and pleased with how the deal turned out. I knew I’d return. I’ve realized that improving here is different from junior hockey, and I have to trust that I’ve put in the work and enjoy it.”
While there are still questions about his future with the Leafs, Robertson acknowledged his awareness of past trade attempts, mentioning an overtime game against the Dallas Stars when he played alongside Auston Matthews.
“I know I’ve showcased my abilities, and to be showcased, you need to be placed in a position to succeed,” Robertson stated. “Last year, I had some overtime shifts playing with great players, which I think proved I can compete at that level.”
Robertson has done everything possible to secure a roster spot this season, but his future with the Leafs may depend on the health of the forward group as training camp concludes and whether Brad Treliving can offload additional salary. If the Leafs receive an attractive offer, they might consider trading Robertson. However, if he remains with the team, there’s no doubt he has earned a place on the roster based on his pre-season performance.