Toronto Maple Leafs’ winger Nick Robertson was injured in Thursday’s game. He left with a shoulder injury and will miss significant time. Robertson got tangled up with Kings defenceman Matt Roy and fell awkwardly into the boards. The 21-year-old forward needed the help of trainers to get off the ice.
Sheldon Keefe says Nick Robertson is going to miss “significant time”. @BodogCA @RinkWideTOR
— David Alter (@dalter) December 9, 2022
Nick Robertson Injured; Out Long-Term
Through 14 games this season, Robertson has two goals and three assists. The former second-round pick has been a healthy scratch multiple times this season but has flashed the scoring prowess of his older brother, Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson. In his season debut on Oct. 20 against the Stars, Robertson scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime.
Through parts of three seasons with Toronto, Roberson has registered seven points through 30 career games. However he has 46 shots while averaging almost 11 minutes of ice time a game. There is no timetable for his injury, but coach Sheldon Keefe said postgame that Robertson’s injury could be long-term.
What This Means with Nick Robertson Injured
While T.J. Brodie returned to the ice after missing the last 12 games, Robertson joins five teammates set to miss time with injury. Also out for Toronto are Centre Calle Jarkrok and defensemen Victor Mete, Jake Muzzin, Morgan Rielly, and Jordie Benn. Robertson is a depth piece on the team but is considered a future scoring forward. When asked about the healthy scratches earlier in the season, Keefe said that a young player like Robertson could learn more at the NHL level instead of sending him back to the AHL. Robertson has 46 points in 51 games over the past three seasons in the AHL, including two points in two games earlier this season.
Keefe and the Leafs will now look to veterans Wayne Simmonds, Kyle Clifford, and Nicolas Aube-Kubel to fill Robertson’s spot in the lineup. All three skaters have notched a combined two points in limited games this season and join an already struggling fourth line that boasts Pontus Holmberg and Zach Aston-Reese.
