In 21 games this season, Robertson has found a role as an everyday NHLer, but the Leafs want the player's deadly shot to come alive.
In 21 games this season, Robertson has found a role as an everyday NHLer, but the Leafs want the player's deadly shot to come alive.
COLUMBUS — When the Toronto Maple Leafs returned from their holiday break, Nick Robertson entered Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday. He saw that his name was up on the board to play on the second power-play unit.
"I certainly wasn't expecting it but was excited for it," he told The Hockey News on Friday.
The 22-year-old forward has been able to earn the trust of the coaching staff to become an everyday NHLer this season. The California native found some consistency playing on a regular line with Max Domi and Calle Jarnkrok. While the Maple Leafs are generally pleased with how the player has come along in his all-around game, the points haven't come with it.
In 21 games this season, Robertson has three goals and six assists while averaging 10:36 of ice time. Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe is hoping some more touches on the power play will help unlock more offense from his young forward.
"I found that some of his game offensively has slipped a bit in the last little while, which can't happen," Keefe said. "We're just trying to give him a little bit more opportunity there and see if it might translate into his 5-on-5 game."
After employing the switch on the power play for the first time on Wednesday, Robertson's line was the most effective in the team's 4-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators, recording a 100 percent expected-goals rate at 5-on-5 according to NaturalStatTrick.com
The team will continue to try and mix Robertson into the second power-play unit against the Blue Jackets on Friday. That is, of course, when they don't use a second defenseman on the second power-play unit during periods of transition.
Robertson admitted there have been chances where he's fanned on some shots. His shot is one of his strong suits. There are many times when the second power-play deploys a second defenseman and Robertson would be pulled out of it as Jarnkrok, Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi remain the main cogs of the unit.
But the hope is that the increased time will help Robertson, even if it's just a little bit.
"I’d rather play good hockey and earn it every day," Robertson said. "My goal is to be an everyday NHLer and I think I’m doing a good job of it so far. The production will come, I’m just being patient.
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