New Prompt Chat

Nick Robertson’s summer has been a rare bright spot for the Maple Leafs, capped by a contract bump to 1.83 million and a personal milestone. Yet the big question remains: will Toronto maximize his shine as they navigate life after Mitch Marner? Robertson’s track record—strong capacity to beat goalies and a five-on-five goals-per-60 metric that sits behind Auston Matthews only—sets the stage for a potential breakout, provided he earns regular ice time in a battle-tested, depth-laden lineup.

Toronto’s identity this season will hinge on internal competition more than a single big move. With Matthews, Nylander, Tavares, and Knies likely locks on the top lines, eight forward roles are still up for grabs as Brad Treliving reshapes the roster. Robertson’s path is a reminder that no Leafs contract guarantees a role; patience and performance in training camp will decide who earns the minutes, especially as Liljegren’s own trajectory shows how quickly a seat can become precarious if production stalls.

Marner’s departure to Vegas has the Leafs casting for secondary scoring and a stabilizing presence on the wings. Robertson’s willingness to push for a career year is tempered by the reality of competition from a deep pool of depth forwards. The Panthers’ recent title run and Toronto’s internal tug-of-war over ice time underscore a season where every shift matters and where Robertson’s breakout could be the hinge on which Toronto’s offense swings in 2024-25.