Nick Robertson’s 2024-25 NHL season with the Toronto Maple Leafs has been a mixed bag. At just 23 years old, he’s shown flashes of being a strong offensive player, but staying in the lineup has been a constant challenge. With only 63 appearances in 76 games, many of his absences are due to being a healthy scratch. Still, despite limited minutes — averaging just 12:02 per game — he’s tied his career-best with 14 goals. That’s not a small feat considering the limited opportunity.
Now, with the playoffs around the corner, Robertson is once again under the spotlight. He’s coming off a strong performance, scoring two goals in a game against Columbus, but even that might not be enough to guarantee his spot when the stakes rise.
Tough Competition in the Leafs’ Lineup
Toronto has one of the deepest forward groups in the NHL. When players like David Kampf and Max Pacioretty return from injury, coach Craig Berube will face tough decisions. With names like Max Domi, Steven Lorentz, Scott Laughton, Calle Jarnkrok, Pontus Holmberg, and others battling for bottom-six spots, only six forwards can play — meaning two will be left out each night.
In this tight competition, Robertson’s biggest challenge is consistency. While he has the skill to score goals, his defensive play doesn’t always meet the level Berube demands. The Leafs’ coach prefers players who can play a reliable two-way game, especially in high-pressure playoff situations.
Why Robertson Isn’t a Lock
Berube has shown a strong preference for players like Pontus Holmberg, even though Holmberg’s stats (six goals and 16 points in 62 games) don’t jump off the page. This leaves fans and hockey analysts questioning the choices — many would choose Robertson over Holmberg in a heartbeat. But Berube isn’t looking to develop young players right now; his job is to win.
That means even if Robertson scores, it might not be enough unless he also shows improvement in other parts of his game. If Toronto wins games while he’s not in the lineup, it becomes even harder for him to make his way back in.
What Robertson Needs to Do
For Robertson, the message is clear — stay sharp, produce offense, and improve defensively. Every game he plays is a chance to prove he belongs. If he can continue his recent scoring trend and show he’s not a liability without the puck, he could force Berube to keep him in the lineup.
It’s also important to note that Robertson becomes a restricted free agent (RFA) this summer. How he performs now could have a big impact on his future with the Leafs or another team. On a different squad with more ice time and better positioning, he might even reach the 25-goal mark. But for now, his job is to make every shift count — even with limited minutes.
Nick Robertson’s journey with the Toronto Maple Leafs is far from smooth, but it’s not over yet. He has the skill, and he’s shown flashes of brilliance. What he needs now is consistency, especially when it comes to playing a full 200-foot game.
The Leafs aren’t in development mode — they’re in win-now mode. That puts pressure on Robertson to not just score, but also to be reliable and trusted on both ends of the ice. If he can do that, he might just secure a permanent role. If not, the press box might become all too familiar once again.
