Entering Training Camp On One-Year Deal, Nick Robertson’s Future With Maple Leafs Murkier Than Ever
Nick Robertson kicked off his seventh training camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, but the feeling around his return is far different from the optimism that once surrounded the young winger. At just 23 years old, Robertson is still considered a player with untapped potential, but entering camp on a one-year deal, his future with the Leafs is more uncertain than ever.
When Toronto selected Robertson in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft, he was immediately touted as one of the organization’s most exciting prospects. His speed, quick release, and relentless work ethic made him a fan favorite before he even stepped on the NHL ice. Many envisioned him as a top-six scorer capable of complementing stars like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander. Yet, injuries, inconsistency, and tough competition for roster spots have prevented him from carving out a permanent role.
Robertson has battled through multiple setbacks, including knee and shoulder injuries, which have stunted his development and limited his chances to gain momentum at the NHL level. While he has shown flashes of brilliance — his tenacity on the forecheck and ability to generate chances in limited minutes stand out — those moments have been sporadic rather than sustained. Last season, he appeared in 56 games, recording 14 goals and 11 assists. While that production was respectable, it did little to cement his role in a lineup crowded with established forwards and emerging prospects.
The one-year “prove-it” deal he signed this summer reflects Toronto’s hesitation to fully commit. For the Leafs, Robertson represents both promise and risk: a player whose skill set could be valuable if he finally breaks through, but whose inability to stay healthy or consistently produce has left management cautious. For Robertson, this season may be his final chance to prove he belongs in the organization’s long-term plans.
Head coach Craig Berube, overseeing his first camp with Toronto, has spoken about wanting to see players “earn their ice time.” That philosophy may give Robertson a fresh opportunity, but it also raises the stakes. With younger forwards like Easton Cowan pushing for NHL roles and veterans locked into top-line minutes, Robertson finds himself in the middle — no longer the prospect brimming with potential, but not yet the proven contributor the Leafs hoped for.
The Leafs’ front office has also emphasized flexibility with the salary cap, meaning players on short-term, team-friendly deals must justify their roster spots. If Robertson fails to impress early in the season, he could become a trade candidate or risk being sent down to the Marlies. For a player who has long dreamed of cementing his place in Toronto, the pressure is immense.
Still, Robertson’s story is far from finished. His determination has never been in question, and his skill set remains intriguing. If he can stay healthy, refine his game, and adapt to Berube’s system, he could still carve out a meaningful role. But with the window closing and younger players nipping at his heels, this training camp feels like a make-or-break moment.
For Nick Robertson, the path forward with the Maple Leafs has never been murkier — but it’s also never been more important.
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