Photo by John E.Sokolowski from Daily Hive

By: Mikaela Consales

The Toronto Maple Leafs rookie, Nicholas Robertson, has definitely proved he belongs in the NHL with his astonishing performance so far, since the regular season. Leaf fans applaud him for the improvement in his physique, skating and skills in the past few months. The 21 year old has played in the past three leaf games, of which he has truly shown he belongs.

On October 20th, the Leafs played the Dallas Stars, the only team in the NHL to win every game so far, at Scotiabank Arena. At 18:01 during the 3rd period, Robertson shot the puck, and scored the leafs their second goal. By the end of the 3rd, the Leafs and Stars were tied and forced into overtime. This is the time in which many leaf fans start biting their nails. 

The pressure was on for the Leafs to beat the Stars and put their winning streak to an end. With less than two minutes left of the game, Robertson stole the puck, made it to the net, and scored. Robertson not only got the Leafs their first overtime win of the season, but ended the Stars winning streak. 

The fans weren’t the only ones proud of Robertson’s performance, but Leafs Head Coach Sheldon Keefe had positive feedback as well.

“It was excellent to see Nick come into our lineup and make a difference” 

Sheldon Keefe (Staff)

Most recently on October 24th, the Leafs played the Vegas Golden Knights, and Roberstson got an assist, further showing his continued contribution to the leafs, early in the regular season.

Robertson has proved that he no longer belongs in the minor league, but in the NHL with the Leafs. He is sure to bring depth and success to the team this year, on their journey through the regular season, and perhaps bring the luck they need for the playoffs. 

Work Cited

SPORTSNET. “Nick Robertson Makes Stellar Plays at Both Ends to Win It for the Maple Leafs in Overtime.” YouTube, 20 Oct. 2022, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKZHXVyXpek. Accessed 28 Oct. 2022.

Staff, MLHS. “Sheldon Keefe Post Game, Leafs 3 vs. Stars 2 (OT): “Nick Robertson Has the Ability to Finish but He Also Did A…” Mapleleafshotstove.com, Maple Leafs Hotstove, 21 Oct. 2022, mapleleafshotstove.com/2022/10/21/sheldon-keefe-post-game-leafs-3-vs-stars-2-ot/. Accessed 27 Oct. 2022.