Photo credit: NHL.com

Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving shared his thoughts on where the relationship with Nicholas Robertson stands following a lengthy stalemate.

After a trade request and a very long stalemate between the Leafs and Robertson, the scoring winger finally signed a new deal on Tuesday, meaning he will be at training camp next week when it opens.

Although there has been speculation about his future even after signing the deal, Brad Treliving seemingly put that to rest on Thursday when speaking with the media. Treliving revealed that Robertson has been in town training the past few days and is looking forward to seeing him in training camp and how he responds to the opportunity in front of him.

“Nick has gone through some stuff here. Some of it has been injury related. Sometimes with young players their game is still evolving. I’ve got a good relationship with Nick – we talked throughout the summer and explained here’s the situation. Everyone has to earn their stripes. I like Nick. He shoots it in the net, but you have to do other things too. You have to round out your game, you have to be a complete player. It’s a fresh, clean state with a new coach, new opportunity. So I know the last couple days he’s been here, he’s excited, and I’m looking forward to seeing him (in training camp).”

Treliving made it very clear he understands that Robertson has not been treated the greatest so far during his time in Toronto in terms of his usage and being up-and-down with the Marlies. With the addition of Max Pacioretty on a PTO and essentially a contract at the end of it, Robertson will have competition for a spot on the left wing, but does have plenty of opportunity to show what he can do playing more than 11 minutes a night.

In just 56 games last season, the now 23-year-old scored 14 times and totalled 27 points. Camp is scheduled to open next week and the first day of line rushes could tell us just how much the Leafs believe in Robertson’s ability and/or they are using him as a trade chip.