As a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, I’m eager to see Nick Robertson re-signed. His heart, motor, and work ethic have always stood out to me, and I’ve often wondered what he could achieve with a full, injury-free season. While he needs to improve his defensive consistency, his ability to change a game with his exceptional shot is undeniable. I believe he has the potential to become a reliable 20-goal scorer each season, possibly even more.
Robertson has faced some tough circumstances. Two seasons ago, he was one of the team’s best players coming out of training camp but was sent to the AHL Toronto Marlies because he didn’t need to clear waivers. This must have felt unfair, especially given his performance. However, with Tyler Bertuzzi moving on, the Maple Leafs need to boost their secondary scoring, and Robertson could be the solution.
The team must replace Bertuzzi’s 21 goals and account for the possibility that Auston Matthews might not replicate his 69-goal season. Even a stellar 55-goal season from Matthews represents a 14-goal drop, meaning the team needs to replace 35 goals overall. With no significant additions among the forwards, the improvement must come from within. Robertson, who scored 14 goals and 27 points in 56 games while playing just 11:23 per night, is a prime candidate for increased production. With additional power play time and a few extra minutes per game, he could significantly boost the team’s offense.
The departure of Tyler Bertuzzi leaves a significant scoring gap that must be addressed. The first half of the season could be crucial for younger players like Matthew Knies, Pontus Holmberg, or Bobby McMann to step up and contribute. Additionally, Max Domi should aim for 20 goals each season, rather than the nine he managed last season. Similarly, a healthy Mitch Marner should score around the 30-goal mark. This collective improvement from young players and returning stars is essential to fill the scoring void.
