The ups and downs of the NHL’s regular season can seem like the world’s craziest roller coaster for players – and Toronto Maple Leafs right winger Nick Robertson is a perfect example.
Robertson has been a healthy scratch multiple times this season, which is why he’s appeared in only 63 of Toronto’s 76 games. But in limited time-on-ice – he’s averaged just 12:02 per-game – Robertson has still managed to post 14 goals, tying his career-high from last season. And if Robertson can stay on his hot streak after scoring a pair of goals Saturday against Columbus, Robertson will make a convincing case to be in the lineup when the Leafs begin their playoffs.
Welcome back to the lineup, Nick Robertson! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/daM79oQNbK
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 5, 2025
Robertson is still going to be a possible scratch in the post-season. The Leafs are very deep at forward, and if center David Kampf and winger Max Pacioretty return soon from injury, Toronto coach Craig Berube is going to be hard-pressed to find a lineup that makes every Leafs observer happy.
For instance – this writer has said multiple times that he doesn’t understand Berube’s fondness for forward Pontus Holmberg, who has generated only six goals and 16 points in 62 games. If it were up to us, we’d be playing Robertson over Holmberg 100 times out of 100 games, but Berube continues to lean on Holmberg, and we expect that to continue.
You can see, then, how difficult it will be for Robertson to stay in the lineup. Toronto has a slew of options in their bottom six group of forwards, including Max Domi, Steven Lorentz, Scott Laughton, Calle Jarnkrok, Kampf, Holmberg, Pacioretty and Robertson. That’s eight players battling for six spots. And that means two of those players are going to be in the press box when the playoffs begin.
Robertson can force Berube’s hand by continuing to look as dialed-in as he was Saturday. But if Robertson doesn’t produce consistently and the Leafs lose games, Robertson is probably going to be a scratch once again.
The 23-year-old – who will be an RFA once again this summer – is under significant pressure to get on the scoresheet because his defensive game is inconsistent, and Berube rewards players who can deliver a solid 200-foot game night in and night out.
On a different team, with more minutes and a higher spot in the lineup, Robertson’s offensive production might take him close to or at the 25-goal mark. But the Leafs’ depth is only giving him limited action, and he has to find a way to stay in the lineup despite only getting fourth-line minutes.
Robertson has to show he’s part of the solution in Toronto because Berube is being paid to win, and not necessarily to develop young players.
So, if Robertson is a healthy scratch again – and the Leafs win without him in the lineup – it’s going to be very difficult for him to get back into the mix. Thus, the roller-coaster ride for him will almost assuredly continue, and the only way Robertson can make the ride more enjoyable is to deliver offense on a more consistent basis.
Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google ...
