The Toronto Maple Leafs have an opportunity for success but thus far in 2024-25, on one important topic, it is has alluded them. The Leafs have a very talented winger in the form of 23-year-old, California native Nicholas Robertson. ‘Nick’ as Robertson goes by, has not seen a repeat of his scoring efficiency from last year with the Leafs. Compounded by the idea of trade rumours in order to perhaps get him better situated elsewhere, and it has been a complicated season so far.
The Saga of Nick Robertson and the Leafs
Of course, the trend of the season can change. Head coach Craig Berube and Robertson himself need to find something that works. Maybe it is as simple as that, belief in Robertson by the coach that he can get it done. Last season Robertson was very efficient with a points-per-60 minutes of 2.5 over 56 games. In only 11:23 of average ice time, Robertson ended up with 27 points on the season. If he was given more opportunity, over a full 82-game schedule, that was easily at a 50-point pace, if not 60.
Now as we move along in November in the 2024-25 campaign, Robertson is yet to get much of anything going. 12 games played by Robertson, of the Leafs 14, with him being a healthy scratch twice. In addition, his ice time, isn’t where it needs to be for an offensive player like he is. It is very difficult to generate any offensive rhythm, much less chemistry with good linemates when your ice time is limited. Robertson only averages 12:30 a game.
Analyzing the Numbers Behind his Game
Furthermore, if we filter on Leaf forward lines with at least 20 minutes played, Robertson hasn’t been a part of any trio for that amount of ice time. The line that is close is when Robertson is out there with Max Pacioretty and John Tavares. They are humming along at an xGoals% of 70.6, but only played together for 19.6 minutes. Unfortunately for Robertson, those other two are better suited on the line with William Nylander. That line has an xGoals% of 66.7 in 52.2 minutes played together. However, with the fire power they possess, that is a much better fit for the Leafs second line. The line combination with Nylander has outscored opponents 5-2, while the Robertson variation has only outscored opponents 1-0.
It Seems Challenging for Robertson to Generate Offence
Also, Robertson doesn’t get much power play time, despite how much it would benefit him as an offensive player. He only plays about 1.25 minutes a game on the power play. In contrast, someone like Mitch Marner is out there over three minutes a game on the power play. You’d also have to think his line combinations fluctuate too as compared to the top unit.
Toronto Maple Leafs’ Bottom Six Could Use Some Help
We are simply reporting the facts. Robertson doesn’t play enough to generate any decent chemistry with the offensive talent that the Leafs possess. This has also been made all the more difficult by the timeline of Robertson’s season so far. He only signed with the Leafs on September 10th. Therefore, he was a late holdout, just signing prior to the start of official training camp. Moreover, he was banged up with an upper-body ailment right before the start of the regular season. So, with the contract status and the minor injury sustained at a very untimely point in the season, there has been some forgiveness for Robertson for the slowness of his production.
What About the Dynamics of Nick Robertson With the Leafs
To this writer, it just really feels like something has to give. Robertson hasn’t been producing enough with one point in 12 games. Also, coach Berube doesn’t give him consistent ice time or linemates. Maybe a trade out of Toronto would be the best for both sides. Robertson is a hard-worker, with offensive upside. He’s proven in the past to be a producer and at the NHL level. If general manager Brad Treliving can find a deal that helps Toronto acquire a useful asset, it really does feel like a trade makes the most sense.
Based on Thursday’s practice, ahead of Friday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings, Robertson was practicing with Bobby McMann and Pontus Holmberg. This is a traditional third line. Hopefully that means for Robertson that they can get a regular rotation to help maximize his ice time as a third-line player. Even though Robertson might play better with offensively skilled linemates, showing he can contribute, while still be reliable and responsible enough in a third-line role, would go a long way for coach Berube to believe he can really give him a strong look in an important assignment.
Main Photo Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
