After a tumultuous offseason that saw a trade request not met, Robertson has ditched the belief that his life is defined by hockey alone.
www.nytimes.com
He could still be waived or even traded. On a deal that still requires him to prove himself by rounding out his game, the left winger is not acting like his life depends on his on-ice success.
“I don’t do pressure,” he said.
Welcome to Nick Robertson 2.0.
The perception of him is fairly defined despite playing just one full season as a Leaf: too serious and focused solely on one goal. But in this updated version, the once-tense Robertson has not only ditched his scowl but also the belief his life is defined by hockey alone.
“I used to be a worrier. Things are in the past. I’m more calm, more relaxed. I knew something was going to happen,” he said of his contract status in a lengthy conversation with The Athletic. “Would you want an eight-year deal at a lot of money? Yeah. But at the same time, you’ve got to look in the mirror. With a one-year deal, this is what my agent thought was best. So I just go about my business whether it’s a one-, two- or eight-year deal.”
At first glance, Robertson’s trade request makes sense. He is as driven as they come but has not gained the playing time he desires.
“I think I’ve heard it my whole life, to dial it back. And I always told them: ‘I’ll dial it back once they know where I stand in my career,’” Robertson said three years ago.
Robertson grins as he’s asked to explain the trade request that might hang over his head as long as he’s in Toronto.
“I’m not going to comment on that,” Robertson said. That he’s not agitated at a reporter’s different ways of asking — days after addressing his request toward the start of training camp — showcases where his head is at entering a defining season in his career.
“I’m happy to be back in Toronto. I’m happy the way the deal went,” Robertson affirmed. “I’ve relaxed so much since the beginning of last year, since coming (up to the NHL).”