Photo credit: Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs forward Nicholas Robertson has proven he deserves a roster spot following a summer full of rumours about his future.

After requesting a trade early in the off-season, Robertson and the Leafs eventually put their differences aside and agreed to terms on a new contract. The 23-year-old has since taken advantage of the clean slate under new head coach Craig Berube at training camp, scoring both goals in Saturday night’s win over Montreal. Following the game, Berube praised Robertson for his play.

“He did that. It’s not even the goals so much as his effort and the way he played. His work ethic was excellent and his competitiveness. He made good decisions with the puck.It was good he got a couple of goals for us.”
 

Recently, Robertson sat down with The Athletic’s Joshua Kloke and discussed his trade request, trade rumours and new contract.
“I knew something was going to happen,” he said. “Would you want an eight-year deal at a lot of money? Yeah. But at the same time, you’ve got to look in the mirror. With a one-year deal, this is what my agent thought was best. So I just go about my business whether it’s a one-, two- or eight-year deal. I’m happy to be back in Toronto. I’m happy the way the deal went. I knew I was going to be back in Toronto. I’ve learned that how I better myself here is different from how to better myself in junior. I’ve got to trust that I put in the work and then I enjoy it.”While there is still speculation about his future with the Leafs, Robertson admitted that he is well aware of past attempts by the Leafs to trade him, referencing an overtime against the Dallas Stars that saw him playing with Auston Matthews.

“I know that I’ve showcased, and that obviously, in order to be showcased, you have to be somewhat put in a position to succeed,” Robertson said. “So, like last year, there were a couple of overtime shifts, playing with really good players at times, I think I proved that I can play with them.”

Robertson has done everything he possibly can to secure a roster spot this season, but it appears his future with the Leafs is tied to the health of the forward group as training camp ends and if Brad Treliving is able to shed additional salary elsewhere. If the Leafs receive an enticing enough offer, they may look to move Robertson, but if he does stick around, there’s no question that he’s deserving of a roster spot after the pre-season he has had.