Is There A Spot On This Team For Robertson?

[Larcos_Unal]

I didn’t watch the majority of last nights game but by the numbers it looks like Holmberg had another bad to mediocre game. Again, if you want offence from that third line the obvious answer is Robertson.

If this is the case we're in big trouble

 

[Stephen]

Get serious yourself, Stephen. I watch the games. I also watch you apply different narratives, depending on the player. This isn't even really about Hyman specifically, much less the things you're now trying to highlight.

If it's a hustle skater you like, then it's a sign of their work ethic and drive and worthy of praise, but if you don't, then suddenly it's "there isn’t a moment where the game looks like it’s easy for him. Every feet he gains looks like a 100 m sprint. Everything is a dogged all out puck pursuit or hounding a guy."

When a sniper tries to let playmakers make plays and get open in good spaces for shots, you criticize them for not being more individually assertive. When a sniper is getting involved in the play and pursuing the puck, then suddenly it's "to take advantage of his shot he also needs to just be open and present a passing target, snipe. It’s like the harder he works and more involved he is the farther it puts him away from just being the open sniper who can use his shot cleanly."

There's really nothing wrong with Robertson working hard, being a puck hound, and forechecking well. Seems more like you just don't like the player.

You don't get it.

Nick Robertson has an elite shot like Brett Hull and lacks everything else. To be effective, Brett Hull has to get lost in the crowd, stand somewhere in scoring position and let a teammate find him open to finish. Tees it up with time, space, comfort. Just look at Cole Caufield and he's more or less like this as well.

Zach Hyman's role on the Matthews line was to crash and bang and go dig at pucks. Get the puck loose, get it to someone who can make a play, and then finish, maybe crash the net and hunt for rebounds.

You can't chase the play down and be open to rip a shot at the same time very often, that's why those two play styles are incompatible. That's why Wickenheiser said he needed to calm things down years ago.

And no shit I don't like an ineffective player.

 

[GoonieFace]

If this is the case we're in big trouble
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Yeah, but look at that +/-

 

[fahad203]

If this is the case we're in big trouble
View attachment 925737

To be fair Jake Debrusk just scored his first goal last night
He's getting chances, putting in the effort

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

If this is the case we're in big trouble
View attachment 925737

Goal scorers are streaky, what can I say. It’s not like Holmberg is doing much better in that spot. Or anywhere for that matter.

Still, Reaves should be the one out of the lineup and both these guys should be playing.

 

[Larcos_Unal]

Goal scorers are streaky, what can I say. It’s not like Holmberg is doing much better in that spot. Or anywhere for that matter.

View attachment 925751

Still, Reaves should be the one out of the lineup and both these guys should be playing.

Both Robertson and Holmberg have been underwhelming. I expect they both sit/are traded once Jarnkrok and Dewar are back.

 

[Ciao]

Is there a spot on this Leafs' team for Nic Robertson?

Probably not. He's too small, too skilled, and not nearly big and tough enough.

The Leafs would probably like to trade him for someone like John Kordic, if they could. Long ago, a previous generation of management did exactly that with a much, much better player.

Not to worry -- that won't happen now, but only for lack of opportunity.

 

[usernamezrhardtodo]

Get serious yourself, Stephen. I watch the games. I also watch you apply different narratives, depending on the player. This isn't even really about Hyman specifically, much less the things you're now trying to highlight.

If it's a hustle skater you like, then it's a sign of their work ethic and drive and worthy of praise, but if you don't, then suddenly it's "there isn’t a moment where the game looks like it’s easy for him. Every feet he gains looks like a 100 m sprint. Everything is a dogged all out puck pursuit or hounding a guy."

When a sniper tries to let playmakers make plays and get open in good spaces for shots, you criticize them for not being more individually assertive. When a sniper is getting involved in the play and pursuing the puck, then suddenly it's "to take advantage of his shot he also needs to just be open and present a passing target, snipe. It’s like the harder he works and more involved he is the farther it puts him away from just being the open sniper who can use his shot cleanly."

There's really nothing wrong with Robertson working hard, being a puck hound, and forechecking well. Seems more like you just don't like the player.

To quote John Wooden: "Don't mistake activity for achievement"

 

[Ciao]

Give him about 20-25 games of consistent play. If he's still not doing much at that point, then yeah it might be time to question his future here.

Nic Robertson will not get 25 games of significant playing time with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He will be in and out of the lineup in low-percentage situations, where he will continue to be completely unproductive and useless to the team until he is either waived or traded for a very small return, or as a bit part in a larger deal.

He won't be here by Christmas.

 

[1specter]

Nic Robertson will not get 25 games of significant playing time with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He will be in and out of the lineup in low-percentage situations, where he will continue to be completely unproductive and useless to the team until he is either waived or traded for a very small return, or as a bit part in a larger deal.

He won't be here my Christmas.

Ok

 

[Maple Leaf]

Nic Robertson will not get 25 games of significant playing time with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He will be in and out of the lineup in low-percentage situations, where he will continue to be completely unproductive and useless to the team until he is either waived or traded for a very small return, or as a bit part in a larger deal.

He won't be here by Christmas.

Roboersotn is ovrrated anyways

 

[Dekes For Days]

You don't get it. Nick Robertson has an elite shot like Brett Hull and lacks everything else. To be effective, Brett Hull has to get lost in the crowd, stand somewhere in scoring position and let a teammate find him open to finish. Tees it up with time, space, comfort. Just look at Cole Caufield and he's more or less like this as well. Zach Hyman's role on the Matthews line was to crash and bang and go dig at pucks. Get the puck loose, get it to someone who can make a play, and then finish, maybe crash the net and hunt for rebounds. You can't chase the play down and be open to rip a shot at the same time very often, that's why those two play styles are incompatible. That's why Wickenheiser said he needed to calm things down years ago. And no shit I don't like an ineffective player.

No, you don't get it. I'm glad that you finally realize that getting lost in the crowd and then into an open scoring area is a viable sniper strategy, but now you've gone in the opposite direction, and seem to think that it's the only possible goal-scoring strategy. Different goal scorers score in different ways, and Robertson is capable of bringing more than just standing there waiting all the time - which I have no doubt you would also criticize him for.

You seem to have misunderstood what Wickenheiser meant. He has already calmed things down a lot, and done a good job being more aware and finding that balance. It did not mean that Robertson had to stop working hard, forechecking well, and doing the things that made Robertson a successful goal scorer in the first place. It seems more like what you really don't like are smaller players, even if they're effective.

 

[Duke16]

Hasn't looked too bad (obviously not enough) and hasn't scored, so it makes sense he's drawn out a couple times. I don't have major praise or criticism for this player yet.

I sort of hope he isn't imminently moved as part of the Dewar/Hakanpää activations though.

Even though he might not be the Top 9 solution, there is simply the most upside in giving him Top 9 rope at the very least until Järnkrok returns or they make an external addition. Even though it hasn't gone in, I'd take him in this usage over Holmberg or anyone else that's rotated because he at least has Top 9 talent in him.

If he's moved now, it's a present commitment to having one guy in the Top 9 who really has no business being there. Heck, McMann hasn't been great on the whole either.

 

[All Mod Cons]

The guy doesn't do a lot

 

[sunstersun]

I can't watch our bottom 6, and in good faith argue there's 0 room for a guy like Robertson.

Robertson has been bad, but our bottom 6 is ugly.

 

[Suntouchable13]

I can't believe how much you guys were overhyping this guy. I think it's because the prospect pool has been barren for a while so you tried to desperately latch to someone. He is not a good player.

 

[Punch Drunk Loov]

Not sure how much of Treliving player he is

 

[Dreakmur]

No, you don't get it. I'm glad that you finally realize that getting lost in the crowd and then into an open scoring area is a viable sniper strategy, but now you've gone in the opposite direction, and seem to think that it's the only possible goal-scoring strategy. Different goal scorers score in different ways, and Robertson is capable of bringing more than just standing there waiting all the time - which I have no doubt you would also criticize him for.

You seem to have misunderstood what Wickenheiser meant. He has already calmed things down a lot, and done a good job being more aware and finding that balance. It did not mean that Robertson had to stop working hard, forechecking well, and doing the things that made Robertson a successful goal scorer in the first place. It seems more like what you really don't like are smaller players, even if they're effective.

Just for one second pretend Kyle Dubas didn’t draft this guy. What would you actually think of him I wonder….

 

[Dekes For Days]

Just for one second pretend Kyle Dubas didn’t draft this guy. What would you actually think of him I wonder….

I'd think the exact same. Only you take positions based on the GM.

 

[Dreakmur]

I'd think the exact same.

Based on your consistently horrid takes on just about every player we’ve had over the last 10 years, I actually believe that.

Only you take positions based on the GM.

I know you are, but what am I…

 

[kevsh]

He'll be gone soon, my guess is it's just a matter of finding the right trade partner (i.e. a team that wants him and will actually give something back).

 

[Dreakmur]

He'll be gone soon, my guess is it's just a matter of finding the right trade partner (i.e. a team that wants him and will actually give something back).

I think if anyone wanted him enough to give up anything valuable, he’d be gone already. Fact is not many teams want a guy who isn’t good enough to play top-6 and doesn’t fit in anywhere lower in a lineup.

 

[Ianturnedbull]

Robertson is a hot circle of garbage forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Did you see that series in the game when TOR was hemmed in their zone, and Robo had no stick for over a minute? I couldn't believe my eyes.

Cross posting here.

I think if anyone wanted him enough to give up anything valuable, he’d be gone already. Fact is not many teams want a guy who isn’t good enough to play top-6 and doesn’t fit in anywhere lower in a lineup.

It's a tough situation for sure. The only thing going for TOR is he's expressed that he wants to be traded. Some GM might see that as a good opportunity, and see his performance as disgruntled/mishandling.

 

[Dreakmur]

It's a tough situation for sure. The only thing going for TOR is he's expressed that he wants to be traded. Some GM might see that as a good opportunity, and see his performance as disgruntled/mishandling.

That would reduce the offer, right?

 

[hotpaws]

small moderately skilled forwards are a dime a dozen , everyone has them in their organization so i'd be pleasantly surprised if we were offered anything more than a 4th/5th for him

also surprised Dubas isn't all over Nicky Robbie since as he said '' you can't teach 5-8 "