Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving lays down the law for newly re-signed Nick Robertson

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Chris Gerics
September 12, 2024 (9:31 PM)

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On Tuesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs and restricted free agent Nick Robertson came to an agreement on a one-year, $800,000 contract, keeping the young forward in blue and white for at least one more season.

The disgruntled Robertson, who requested a trade from Toronto earlier this offseason, often found himself on the outside looking in when it came to Sheldon Keefe's lineup. Now with a new head coach in Craig Berube, he's sure to have motivation and find himself with more playing time.

However, Robertson may not be sticking around for long however, as noted by NHL insider Frank Seravalli:

If Robertson is to stick around with the club, there's going to be some ground rules and lay out what's expected of the 24-year old. During a talk with media, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving didn't hold back with what he expects from Robertson going forward:

I have a good relationship with Nick. We talked throughout the summer. You explain, «Here is the situation.» Everyone has to earn their stripes.

You'd have to ask him, but Nick has gone through some stuff here, right? Some of it has been injury-related, and sometimes, with young players, their game is still evolving.

I like Nick. He shoots it in the net. You have to do other things, too. You have to round out your game. You have to be a complete player. But it is a fresh, clean slate with a new coach and a new opportunity.

In the last couple of days that he has been here, he's excited. I am looking forward to seeing him. - Brad Treliving

It's clear Treliving is in the mindset of having Robertson be a full 200 foot player as it's clear that's one of the main reasons teams have so much success come playoff time. Robertson didn't contribute a single point in the playoffs, though and has struggled consistently with injuries in his career. He put together a decent campaign last season in limited ice time, potting 14 goals and 13 assists in 56 games but with a new coach he's poised to break out this year in a big way.

Source: HockeyFeed
Brad Treliving hits Nick Robertson with a clear ultimatum

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Nick Robertson Statistics

TSN (Interview with Brad Treliving)
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