The Toronto Maple Leafs had some intriguing roster and lineup decisions to make ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season.
The Maple Leafs had an intense roster battle for the final couple of spots between Nick Robertson, Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, and Easton Cowan. As camp was coming to an end, Robertson appeared to be on the outside looking in.
However, on opening night, Robertson earned a roster spot and was playing on the third line. Before Toronto’s 5-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens, Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube heaped praise on Robertson for earning a roster spot.
“A lot like he did last year, if you look at him during training camp, the effort, and the ability to score a goal when we need it,” Berube said of Robertson on Oct. 8. “He scored goals throughout camp. With his work ethic and tenacity, he is just a noticeable player. He came in, worked extremely hard, and played well. He deserved to be on the team.”
Robertson ended up taking 16 shifts in the game as he was on the ice for 10:40 and recorded 4 shots on goal. However, he was a -1 in the win, but his scoring ability will be impactful in the bottom of the lineup for Toronto.
Robertson signed a one-year, $1.825 million extension with Toronto this offseason. He will be an RFA at the end of the season.
Maple Leafs Coach Pleased With New-Look Roster
Toronto enters the season with a new-look roster as the Maple Leafs made some major changes this offseason.
The Maple Leafs saw Mitch Marner leave this offseason, while Toronto added the likes of Nic Roy, Dakota Joshua, and Matias Maccelli. Berube likes the mixture of skill and size the team added this offseason.
“I know there is a lot of talk about that all the time, but the pieces we added are good pieces,” Berube said. “A guy like Dakota Joshua has size and plays that heavy style of hockey that you need. He has the ability to score goals, which he did in Vancouver.
“Nic Roy has been a good player in this league; he has won a Cup, knows how to win, and has great size and reach,” Berube added. “We like that down the middle — a righthanded center, which we didn’t have for a couple of years here and is nice to have. And I’ve talked about Maccelli. They are all good pieces that give us a little more size, plus we added some skill.”
Toronto’s new-look team got off to a good start with a 5-2 win over the Canadiens on Oct. 8.
Robertson Was on Toronto’s Roster Bubble
Entering the offseason, Robertson’s name came up in trade talks as he wasn’t guaranteed a roster spot.
However, as camp began, Robertson was using that as motivation to have a good camp and earn a roster spot.
“I don’t really want to go into it. I think that’s just part of the business side, talking to my agent (Pat Brisson) and taking the best steps for myself personally, and I’m just happy it worked out like that,” Robertson said. “It’s just what came about. I’m not looking much into it. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise. You’ve got to work. It’s a contract year. If I sign an eight-year deal or one-year deal, my mindset is coming in and working hard and improving myself.”
Robertson recorded 15 goals and 7 assists for 22 points in 69 games last season. He was selected 53rd overall in 2019.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Maple Leafs Coach Heaps Praise on Nick Robertson After Making Roster appeared first on Heavy Sports.