Nick Robertson is putting his contract status behind him and is looking forward to a renewed opportunity with the Toronto Maple Leafs on the opening day of training camp. Robertson reportedly requested a trade during the summer, but he signed a one-year, $875,000 contract on September 10, a cost-effective bet on a winger teeming with untapped offensive potential.
The 23-year-old was paired with John Tavares and Bobby McMann on Thursday and spoke to reporters after the first group’s practice session ended.
“I’m not going to deep dive into that,” Robertson said of his contract status. “I signed in Toronto. I’m happy to be Toronto. Being back here a week ago, it’s good to see everyone. I’m happy to be back.”
Robertson is embracing positional flexibility, perhaps as his ticket towards the opening night lineup. He played on the right wing during Thursday’s opening session and expanded on the differences.
“Obviously, I’m a natural left winger but if coach wants me at right wing, whatever it is, I’m more than happy to play. You get your touches, you’re feeling good,” Robertson said.
“If you’re breaking out on your off side, you’re more vulnerable. Your left side is easy to open up. Coming out of the zone, I like getting a one-timer as an F3, I like the puck on that side.”
Robertson was in a great mood and while going through the opening day rigours he explained his favourite part of fitness training was ‘height and weight’ before expanding on the more strenuous aspects of testing day.
During the summer, Robertson trained in Michigan near the USA Hockey Arena in a group including his brother Jason, Jakob Chychrun, and Jalen Chatfield among others, which appeared to be a reinvigorating experience.
There are no guarantees, but Robertson is putting the past behind him, with a chance to make a permanent dent on the roster while being paired with Tavares, a vote of confidence in and of itself. It’s now be compelling to see whether Robertson can hold onto the top-nine spot he’s been granted during the opening day of camp.
