Kids are getting a little too uppity these days. Kid finally had a decent season, and he's trying to make demands with no leverage.
He can sign in Europe if he wants. He'll play where he's told, because that's how it's done, and he's not a massive loss. Treliving is not the type who is gonna take his orders from a kid.
If he gets dealt, bet on it with the Sens.
I worked for Steve Staios at the Hamilton Bulldogs during Robertson's OHL draft year when he played for the Toronto Red Wings. He liked him a lot then, knew the family, etc. Young player for young player deal makes sense.
It's the way it is when you play for the Leafs, especially as he has seen others get paid. You see your name in multiple news sources, on TV, in this forum etc. You play in most cities and you may see your name once a month in a sports article so you don't feel as entitled and this isn't a knock on Robertson specifically, it goes for all players who play here.
I will be honest, I've just never understood how a player can't work on their deficiencies to become a more dominant player. He has speed and a decent shot. My parents didn't have the money to put me in serious hockey camps, I would have loved to play in the NHL. What Canadian kid wouldn't? These guys are in the show and they can't adapt to make the next big step?
He is about the same size as a Marchand. He has more speed and he is much younger. That's the player I would try to be more like if I were him, not entirely of course because that's not natural, but more like.
This should be the player he watches video clips of and emulates his style of play. You get into the dirtier areas, play two ways and muck it up a bit. You add 10-15 points a year, become a key player that teams want and increase you salary exponentially.
You are in the big dance. This is 95% of the battle. You are in a high profile market in which all scouts, GMs and media cover with vigor. Realize, just like playing a video game, this is a new level and it requires a change in tactics and you will make bank.
There is no reason why ANY player can't just will himself to play a multi-dimensional game. If it was a matter of life and death he would, right?
He have the assets to shift a game with his speed. He has a decent shot. You can't teach natural hockey I.Q but if you really want the big contract you will put in the effort to complete your game be it in the gym, on the ice in the offseason or in the video room. You can improve hockey I.Q if you watch the way others play and see their methods at this level.
The Robertson we see right now is too easy to replace (if Leafs had cap space) but with more tangibles. This is what McMann brings. So, if Leafs try to convince him to stay, it is ALWAYS on him. If he wants out, Leafs will have to oblige. I don't think the market for him in his current incarnation is going to be very large,
