Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski – USA Today Sports

Despite the acquisition of Max Pacioretty and the failed trade request hanging over Nick Robertson’s head, the youngster doesn’t seem fazed by the competition.

Training camp is a perfect battle ground for players playing on PTOs or youngsters trying to crack the NHL roster. For a lot of veterans like Auston Matthews and John Tavares, it’s more or less a tune-up for the regular season and just getting their bodies back into hockey shape. However, for players like Pacioretty and Robertson, there’s more on the line.

Pacioretty signed with the Leafs on a PTO, but the prevailing opinion is that he will eventually get his standard contract before the season kicks off in a few weeks. Robertson, on the other hand, has had an topsy-turvy off-season that included a failed trade request before signing a one-year deal.

Asked if Pacioretty’s fantastic debut puts any pressure or adds any further motivation to his game, the 22-year-old remained stoic:
“No. It’s good to see him do it. He has had a tough road, and for him to start off like that, it’s good to see.”
 

Robertson has had difficulties staying healthy for the majority of his young career. Last year he appeared in 56 contests, but was often made a healthy scratch and even made an appearance in 9 games for the Toronto Marlies. After finally signing a contract this summer, Robertson has shown up to camp raring and ready to go, according to head coach Craig Berube.

If Pacioretty continues to impress, the veteran will assuredly play a much larger role in the offense this year and that could mean a lesser role or fewer minutes for Robertson. However, the youngster is focused on himself and his game, which is the right mindset for someone who is looking to grab hold of a job come October.