{"id":596,"date":"2022-11-23T20:04:39","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T20:04:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oldprof.nhltradetalk.com\/?p=596"},"modified":"2022-11-23T20:04:40","modified_gmt":"2022-11-23T20:04:40","slug":"maple-leafs-nick-robertson-hates-being-scratched","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oldprof.nhltradetalk.com\/index.php\/2022\/11\/23\/maple-leafs-nick-robertson-hates-being-scratched\/","title":{"rendered":"Maple Leafs Robertson Hates Being Scratched But Likes the Pay"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

At the start of the 2022-23 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs\u2019 Nick Robertson came to training camp with a chance to make the team. He impressed everyone with his play. That positive impression lasted well into the preseason. When preseason was over, Robertson ended up being one of the leading preseason scorers in the NHL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: MAPLE LEAFS\u2019 HOLLOWELL\u2019S BEEN WAITING FOR THIS SINCE HE WAS A KID<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Robertson Still Has More to Learn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

That success doesn’t mean that Robertson won\u2019t have more to learn as a young player. And, that learning path can sometimes be difficult. Sadly for Robertson, early in the season, he got caught in the numbers. Because he was waiver-exempt, he didn\u2019t make the Maple Leafs\u2019 roster. He was moved down to the Toronto Marlies.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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Nick Robertson, Maple Leafs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The situation was transparently discussed by the organization. The fact is that another young player, Denis Malgin, also had a successful preseason. But there was one difference. Malgin was not waiver-exempt. Had the Maple Leafs tried to sneak him through waivers, the legitimate fear was that the team would lose him.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Robertson Was Called Up to the Maple Leafs, He Played Well<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your perspective), Robertson was called up to the big club when injuries allowed the space. He was put on the second line and immediately made an offensive impact. Against the Dallas Stars, he scored two goals including the overtime winner.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But life has been up and down for Robertson since that game. He still has an offensive upside \u2013 he has one of the hardest shots on the team. There’s also no arguing about his competitive level when he\u2019s on the ice. No one works harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Robertson is a rookie. And similar to all rookies, there are still things to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: How Will the Maple Leafs Survive Morgan Rielly\u2019s Injury?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Robertson Is In and Out of the Lineup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

That’s where we are today with Robertson. He was a healthy scratch for several games, tonight he\u2019s starting against the New Jersey Devils. The Maple Leafs will try to end the Devil’s 13-game winning streak on New Jersey’s home ice.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yesterday, Robertson was interviewed about his season and what it means to be in and out of the lineup. Sometimes he’s a healthy scratch, sometimes he’s not. It has to be difficult for a young player who keenly seeks to play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Robertson spoke about that very topic in the video below. As it stands, Robertson wants to play, but he admits he\u2019s also learning all he can from just being in the NHL and hanging out with the rest of the Maple Leafs\u2019 players and staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Robertson doesn\u2019t like his situation and hates (although he doesn\u2019t use that word, you can just tell by listening to him) being a healthy scratch. However, he recognizes that\u2019s the situation he\u2019s in right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He plans to just keep working hard, and also to take advantage of being around the team soaking up everything. He believes this atmosphere and his learning opportunity can be translated onto the ice when he plays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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