Top Toronto Maple Leafs analyst makes major statement on Nick Robertson's role on the team

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Daniel Lucente
August 28, 2024 (6:04 PM)

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Former NHL player and NHL analyst Frank Corrado has high hopes for Nick Robertson if he stays with the Leafs and thinks he can really shine.

Frank Corrado, a former NHL defenseman turned hockey analyst, has been keeping tabs on Nick Robertson, one of the Toronto Maple Leafs' rising stars, but who has recently requested a trade. Corrado thinks Robertson has what it takes to make a big impact on the Leafs, as long as he can stay healthy and keep improving his game, while remaining focused and committed, without distractions.

"A small-ish younger guy, highly skilled, offensive threat," Corrado said. "'Am I gonna get more opportunity under Craig Berube, who is probably coming in and wants to establish a different kind of game.' ... You kinda owe it to yourself to see if it works here first, and stay healthy for a whole season. There is plenty of opportunity for him here.

Corrado is impressed by Nick Robertson's hard work and talent, especially his natural ability to score goals. With a quick release and a sharp shot, Corrado feels that Robertson is a real threat every time he's on the ice. Corrado also points out how fast and relentless Robertson is, which helps him create chances and contribute on both ends of the rink. Corrado believes that Robertson is one of the fastest skaters in the game.

That being said, Frankie Corrado knows it's been a tough road for Nick Robertson to secure a regular spot in the Leafs' lineup. Injuries have held him back, making it hard for him to show what he's truly capable of. Corrado believes that staying healthy is key for Robertson, as it would give him the consistency he needs to prove he's a dependable player for the team.

The more that Robertson can prove to new head coach Craig Berube that he has what it takes, the more playing time he will get, and the former NHL player truly believes he can easily find himself in a top-six role with the Leafs throughout the season.

"Like skill-wise and shot-wise, there's no reason why he can't play top six now with, with who's there. And if he does, think about how, think about how much more deep your lineup is. ... He has every opportunity to be a middle-six forward on this team. But like, he's got to commit to wanting to do it."

Despite the challenges, Corrado is hopeful about Nick Robertson's future with the Maple Leafs. He's seen flashes of brilliance from the young forward when he's had the chance to play. With the right support and continued growth, Corrado thinks Robertson can become a real asset for the Leafs.

This is great news considering the once-player-turned-analyst played in the league himself, so he knows what it takes. The real challenge here is trying to convince Robertson to want to remain with the Leafs.

"He has to continue to do that and not kind of ask for the easy way out here and just say, let me go somewhere else. There's an opening here for him to make something happen."

Nick Robertson was a second-round draft pick by the Leafs in 2019. Last season, he played in 56 games, scoring 14 goals for 27 points.

Training camp is right around the corner, so this Nick Robertson saga is going to end one way or another. He will either be traded, or he will have to show up to camp and play. He can always choose to hold out and stay home, but that's a whole different story.

Source: ESPN
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