Nick Robertson deserves to be in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup each, and every game.

The shifty winger continues to develop into a complete player under Craig Berube’s system, and recently, Robertson’s elevated his game, and is quickly becoming one of the most important players on the Maple Leafs’ roster.

Robertson’s up to eight goals, and 17 points in 36 games this season, and despite all the work he’s put in to become a 200-foot player, for one reason or another, it’s been tough for the former second-round pick to get regular playing time under Berube. With performances like we saw last weekend against the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings, Robertson deserves to be a top-nine regular for the rest of this season.

It hasn’t been an easy start to his NHL career, but give Robertson credit for toughing it out, putting in the work, and rounding out his entire tool box. The shot is lethal, we all knew that from day one, but Berube has been challenging Robertson to become more consistent when it comes to puck battles, physicality, and playmaking – three areas that have stood out immensely of late. He’s becoming more patient with the puck on his stick, looking to make a play instead of prioritizing getting a shot on net from distance. It’s leading to more o-zone time for his line, which keeps the momentum in the Maple Leafs’ favour, and keeps Berube happy.

Robertson ranks 21st on the Leafs when it comes to average ice-time per game, meanwhile, ranks sixth in goals. With consistent playing time there’s little doubt Robertson can be the next layer to Toronto’s core, and be relied upon for secondary scoring. He also brings an element of speed to Berube’s forward group, a team that desperately could use more of it. The issue with Robertson was that in years past, he’s been an ‘unguided missile’ on the ice. Now, he’s still as fast as ever, but he’s more efficient with his effort, which has helped a tremendous amount for an uptick in his physicality. Despite missing multiple games as a healthy scratch, the 5-foot-9 Robertson has landed more hits than Scott Laughton, Morgan Rielly, Auston Matthews, and Max Domi.

After the Maple Leafs 3-2 overtime loss to the Red Wings Sunday night, Berube was asked about what he’s seen lately out of Robertson’s game, and it’s becoming quite obvious things are trending in the right direction.

“Nicky’s skating and attacking, and he’s doing a lot of good things. Hounding everywhere, and he’s getting his opportunities, scored a goal tonight, had a couple of other chances. It’s all work for him, when he’s skating and working, he’s a good player.”

Berube hasn’t been the only one singing Robertson’s praise of late, as John Tavares also touched on his recent strong stretch. The veteran centre likes what he’s seeing out of Robertson’s game, and feels he’s a very important piece for the team’s success.

“I think all year, Robby’s taken a major step in his play, and the way he plays in all facets,” Tavares said. “When you do a lot of good things in a lot of areas, and the way he uses his speed, and has really become strong on the puck, and strong on his feet, and the way he’s battling and competing. The physical element of his game, how he’s just getting in there, and disrupting things, it leads to good things offensively. And, we all know what a threat he is with the way he can shoot the puck.”

While Robertson’s certainly elevated his game, and so has the majority of his teammates recently, Brad Treliving is still on the prowl for a top-six forward. Considering his age and untapped potential, Robertson is someone other teams will ask about, but at the end of the day, Treliving should be holding on to Robertson, and extending him on a long-term deal to stay in Toronto.

Robertson should be kept as an integral piece for the Maple Leafs and frankly, given more opportunity to consistently shine. Treliving should have Robertson over top of Matias Maccelli, Max Domi, Calle Jarnkrok, and Steven Lorentz on the Maple Leafs’ depth chart, and should avoid giving up on him, especially now with the way he’s been able to evolve his skillset in all three zones.

Robertson’s consistency is going to be the biggest factor for more minutes, so if he’s able to continue to garner Berube’s trust, don’t be surprised to see him among the Leafs’ leaders in goal scoring this season. He has 30-goal potential, but until he’s given consistent minutes and a huge bump in ice-time, he’ll have to make due with what’s provided.

Berube would be wise to play Robertson more, while Treliving needs to lock him up long term. Robertson’s shown that he’s coachable, he’s committed to his craft, and he provides a skillset the Maple Leafs need in their lineup on a nightly basis to be successful.

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