Maple Leafs left wingers Max Pacioretty and Nick Robertson have had stellar training camps, so who should get more ice time? Adam Proteau has an idea.
Max PaciorettyThe Toronto Maple Leafs and young left winger Nick Robertson came to something of a crossroads this summer, with rumors he wanted a trade before signing a one-year, $875,000 contract in September.
But with Robertson having an excellent training camp, Leafs management has an intriguing question: who deserves a job on Toronto’s top six forwards – Robertson or veteran left winger Max Pacioretty?
The 35-year-old Pacioretty has also had a stellar training camp, posting three assists and five points in three pre-season games. But the 23-year-old Robertson has done everything asked of him, generating five goals in four games. So, Leafs coach Craig Berube has to decide which of the two should be on Toronto’s second line – Robertson or Pacioretty.
The way things have unfolded thus far, you can make a good argument for either Pacioretty or Robertson being in the top six for the Buds. Pacioretty’s experience and veteran know-how can only help Toronto’s forwards, while Robertson’s speed and sniper skills have impressed Berube and the rest of Leafs management. At this point, it comes down to whether the Leafs should have Pacioretty play more based on what he is as a proven high-level player or whether they should give Robertson more ice time based on what he can grow into.
From this writer’s perspective, we’d start the season with Pacioretty as the second-line winger and Robertson as the third-liner. But if Pacioretty struggles to put up points or can’t stay healthy, Robertson has earned the right to be the first option to replace him on the second line. And the same would go vice-versa if Berube began the year with Robertson as a second-liner.
Like any coach, Berube wants options when he’s drawing up lineups. While it’s true you shouldn’t base your plans strictly on pre-season results, it’s been highly encouraging for Toronto to see Pacioretty and Robertson looking comfortable and hungry to drive the Leafs to consistent success.
The Leafs have improved their defense corps and goaltending this off-season, but Buds GM Brad Treliving has also done well to increase the competition for jobs at forward. And if Robertson and Pacioretty can contribute meaningfully, Treliving will have earned laurels for his delicate handling of the situation. Pacioretty and Robertson aren’t going to lift this Leafs team to rare levels, but if they chip in what management is looking for, Toronto will be more than happy to keep both around.
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