Nick Robertson will be a part of the Leafs’ expanded roster

According to James Mirtle, Kyle Dubas confirmed today that if/when the NHL resumes play this summer, Nick Robertson will be a part of the Leafs’ expanded roster.

The second-round pick of the Leafs from the 2019 draft, Robertson demolished the OHL this season, scoring an absurd 55 goals over the course of 46 games. His 55 goals were the most of any skater in the league, three clear of 2020 top prospect Jack Quinn, who played in 16 more games than Robertson did.

Given the nature of these playoffs, with teams going into quarantine for the duration of the tournament, teams will be carrying more players with them than usual, so it really isn’t shocking at all to see that Robertson will be in the mix. The more interesting question is whether or not he’ll suit up for the Leafs during their play-in series against the Blue Jackets.

His play in the OHL suggests that he’s ready to handle NHL competition, but having Robertson make his debut in such a situation would certainly be throwing him into the deep end. Even if he doesn’t play, it’ll be a positive experience for Robertson to be around the team, given there’s a very, very high chance he’ll be a regular on the roster next season.