Nick Robertson always had the skill, but maybe all he needed was a vote of confidence to play with the big boys. David Alter investigates.
For years, the young winger has been caught in the Maple Leafs’ roster vortex, but a recent lower-body injury to William Nylander finally forced Toronto’s hand. The result? Pure fireworks. With the Leafs scrambling for options on No. 34’s right side, it’s been Robertson who has stepped into the spotlight and started bringing out the very best in the team’s captain.
It’s no accident: in the three games Robertson has played on the top line, he has recorded an impressive three goals and two assists.
“It’s a great opportunity. It’s a blessing for sure,” Robertson said after Toronto’s 5-2 win against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday. “For me, I try to take advantage of it. They’re just such good, talented players, him and Kniesy (Matthew Knies), and I just want to do my best to complement them out there.”
The Betting Angle: Robertson’s Over/Under Value
This recent surge in production has completely changed the narrative—and the betting value—around the 23-year-old. For much of the season, Robertson was averaging a modest 0.4 points per game and 1.9 shots on goal. However, his three-game stint with No. 34 has seen him explode for nearly two points per game, logging a career-high 17:22 of ice time in the process.
The takeaway for bettors? If Robertson is confirmed to be playing with No. 34 and Knies, his standard prop lines are almost certainly set too low, based on his season average and bottom-six minutes. Betting the Over on his typical 0.5 Points or 2.5 Shots on Goal props becomes an immediate must-play, as his usage and quality of linemates have fundamentally shifted.
A Long Road to the Top Six
This success is the payoff for a long, frustrating journey for Robertson. He has been a constant source of trade speculation, but instead of packing his bags, he has quietly focused on his game.
“Well, part of that, obviously, is with the opportunity I’ve been given,” Robertson acknowledged. “It’s not that the mindset has changed. I think with more minutes played, more pucks on my stick, I just have more confidence… What I like from it is just capitalizing on my chances, being confident with the puck and acting like I belonged there.”
The Trade-Off Question
The bigger question now facing the Leafs’ management (and the looming trade deadline) is what to do when Nylander returns. With the departure of Mitch Marner in the off-season, Toronto has been desperately searching for a right-side fit for No. 34. Robertson—who, at his peak, can make up for some of the speed the Leafs lost—didn’t get a proper look under Craig Berube until now.
If Robertson was being played simply to be showcased for a trade, then he’s certainly passed the test. He showed exactly why the team should pause on any quick deal: “It’s reassuring for me knowing that I’m capable of that,” Robertson concluded. “I always strive to get more minutes and play a lot more and be relied upon.”
Unless the return is substantial, maybe the Leafs should tap the brakes on trading away a young player who is finally fulfilling his promise. He’s not just helping No. 34 score; he’s giving the team a much-needed injection of speed and confidence.