From roster obscurity to everyday player, Nick Robertson has stayed healthy through it all and is getting his first shot at real playoff hockey.

BOSTON — Nick Robertson was 18 years old when the Toronto Maple Leafs brought him to the fold.

With the NHL paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Robertson previously tearing up the OHL with 86 points in 46 games, the Leafs fast-tracked their second-round pick from the 2019 NHL Draft and immediately used him during the 24-team NHL playoffs.

"It was very quiet, not many fans, Robertson said. "I was excited though because it was my first NHL game. 

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzMsAE_xsH8[/embed]

It's taken Robertson nearly four full years to get back to it, but on Saturday night, the Californian will be in the lineup for Game 1 when the Maple Leafs visit the Bruins at TD Garden in the first-round Stanley Cup Playoffs series.

"This is different. This is kind of more of what playoffs are really about and I'm excited about it." 

Robertson getting to this point is a personal victory for him. Throughout his tenure with the Maple Leafs, he's had to deal with various injuries. When he has been healthy or deserved more of a push, the 22-year-old became a victim of the club's roster inflexibility. The latest example of that occurred in late February and early March when Robertson was sent down for 10 days as the club loaded up before the trade deadline.

But with an injury to William Nylander, Robertson's services are required and he'll be counted on to deliver in a third-line role.

Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said he spoke to Robertson a couple of weeks ago about what his role might be during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs and told the player to not focus if he was in or out of the lineup or who he was playing with.

"Just keep focused on growing his game. He's had a terrific season. He's taken a significant step in his own development, and in his own career, and done a good job for us," Keefe said of Robertson. "So whenever his name is called, be ready. And that's exactly what he's done for us. So I'm proud of Nick, and how he's handled himself throughout the season."

Injuries both with the Marlies and Maple Leafs limited Robertson to 82 professional games heading into this season. He finished this year with 56 NHL games where he scored 14 goals and added 13 assists.

Related

'Hopefully He Won't Miss Too Much': What We Know About William Nylander's Status for the Maple Leafs for Game 1 Against the Bruins

Maple Leafs Likely Benching TJ Brodie for Game 1 of Stanley Cup Playoff Series Against Bruins and Why It's The Right Call

'There's Not Going To Be Any Daily Injury Updates': Maple Leafs' Sheldon Keefe Under Directive by GM Brad Treliving to Keep Tight-Lipped Against Bruins During Stanley Cup Playoffs

News from THN.com

Why Rangers' Artemi Panarin Will Get My Vote for the NHL's Hart Trophy

'It's a Big Bet On Us': Utah Owners, Bettman Discuss Arena Plans and Launching NHL Team in Short Order With Coyotes' Hockey Assets

NHL Fighting On Ice: A Look at Some of This Season’s Heavy Hitters