Maple Leafs' Robertson confident, determined to move past lengthy injury history
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Nick Robertson’s reset button is worn out.
The 22-year-old has little interest in getting a new one.
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Maple Leafs' Robertson confident, determined to move past lengthy injury history Back to video
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The winger has arrived at Maple Leafs camp in top shape and ready to claim a spot among the club’s wingers. That’s nothing new for the Leafs’ second-round pick in 2019, though he would love to change course and not only earn a position but remain healthy and have an impact through the regular season.
Since playing in the bubble for the Leafs in the summer of 2020, Robertson has played in 31 games with the National Hockey League club and 51 with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League.
His latest medical setback came in January when Robertson had season-ending shoulder surgery after he absorbed a hit by Matt Roy of the Los Angeles Kings in a game a month earlier.
Previously included on Robertson’s injury list were a broken leg, a knee injury, a concussion and groin/abdominal issues.
“It’s been definitely a mental grind, playing in the bubble as an 18-year-old, I wouldn’t think that this path would be the way it is, but the show goes on,” Robertson said on Thursday.
“This is the path that I’ve been given. I think I’ve matured mentally and am composed and just cutting right through everything, not being too high, too low.”
Robertson’s ability to persevere has been matched by his determination when he has been healthy enough to play. Much remains to be settled in camp and the pre-season during the next few weeks, but during the Leafs’ first on-ice session on Thursday, Robertson already caught the eye of coach Sheldon Keefe.
By name, Keefe singled out Matthew Knies, Robertson, Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan as Leafs young players who stood out.
Robertson skated on the left side on a line with centre Pontus Holmberg and Nick Abruzzese, and if you’re thinking that could be a trio for the Marlies, Robertson would like to change that.
The 55-goal season by Robertson with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League wasn’t so long ago, coming in 2019-20. We were reminded of Robertson’s touch in a game last October, when he scored two goals in a game against the Dallas Stars including the overtime winner.
There are spots on the wings with the Leafs to can be claimed, and while Robertson might have a bigger hurdle to clear than others — like Holmberg and Abruzzese, he does not require waivers to be sent to the minors — his belief has not eroded.
“Just do my job, do what I know what Nick Robertson can do, which is use my shot, use my speed and add things that I’ve looked at in video,” Robertson said.
“I’m just confident in myself right now. I think the chances (of making the Leafs), you leave it up to Keefer. For me, I’m happy with where my body is at and everything.”
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