Nick Robertson Publicly Addresses Trade Request from the Toronto Maple Leafs in Shocking Twist
Nick Robertson has been subject to trade speculation all season, but in a stark contrast, spoke about his desire to win and to win as a Maple Leaf.
The 2024-25 season has been something of a whirlwind for Nick Robertson and the Maple Leafs. From asking for a trade at the beginning of the season, to a blazing scoring stretch, to being at times non-existent; it's been a tough one.
But through it all, he's stuck around and done what he can for the team. Showing a bit of a new edge the past few games, Robertson seems motivated.
Speaking to Sportsnet's Luke Fox regarding his future with the team, and the rumors surrounding his name, he's got one focus: Winning.
Just how the season was going, it was kind of a blessing in disguise. Like, you got to have desperation. When it's desperate, I'll be physical. I'm wanting to get into the game, be impactful.
Last year, the most I played was 20 games (in a row), then I got scratched, shifting in and out. I hate that.
So, I made a decision that I want to play every single game. Like I said, back to the desperation thing, I want to be in the lineup every game. I want to be an impactful player. And so far, it's been working.
It's a huge bit of confidence for Maple Leafs fans that not only does Robertson want to stay, but he's bought into Craig Berube's game plan and is willing to get better.
Speaking of Berube, he had nothing but praise for Robertson's work ethic and his shift in play:
Robertson credits Berube for bringing a new edge to his game, something the young forward didn't necessarily anticipate coming out of junior:
Coming from junior, early in pro, I wasn't looking to be a physical-type guy. But now, I think different times call for different types of players.
I think I'm better than I was last year, just being more well-rounded and kind of playing. Not like a rat. But hard. Like, being in the face. Not a checker but getting more touches on guys.
He's been a lot better recently for the team and not just offensively. He's finishing checks, playing hard on the forecheck, is starting to dig into the corners more and is becoming a bit of a nuisance to play against.
This season has been a bit of an anomaly for Robertson. In 50 games this season, he has 11 goals and five assists, but has already surpassed his hit total from last season, and is about to break his blocked shot total as well.
He's only averaging 12:05 TOI but that's still an increase over last season, and if he keeps playing the way he has been, those minutes are going to increase.
Robertson's sudden burst of offense and aggression is a huge positive for the Maple Leafs as they head into a question-filled trade deadline, and Robertson could help things immensely by just staying consistent.
It's a great sign that Nick Robertson has changed his mentality from earlier on, and looks motivated to play hard for a chance to win.
He's bought into Craig Berube's system, and it's paying off. Let's just pray it translates past the team's 82 game schedule.
