Robertson, now entering his fifth professional season, boasts considerable experience for someone his age, having played 87 NHL games. Although his overall performance has been mixed, he showed signs of promise last season with 14 goals and 27 points in 56 games, indicating that his goal-scoring prowess is far from spent. During his junior career with the Peterborough Petes, Robertson’s exceptional shooting ability earned him 27 goals and 55 points in 54 games during his draft year, securing him the 53rd overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft despite concerns about his skating. He silenced critics with a stellar 55 goals and 86 points in just 46 games the following season. Although he has flashed similar brilliance in the NHL, including 16 goals and 28 points in 28 AHL games during the 2021-22 season, his production has been inconsistent.

Part of the challenge for Robertson has been his limited role on the team. Last season marked the first time he averaged over 11 minutes of ice time per game and recorded a point on special teams. While the Leafs have prioritized other wingers, such as Michael Bunting and Matthew Knies, Robertson has struggled to secure consistent bottom-six minutes. The change in coaching staff, with Craig Berube replacing Sheldon Keefe, may offer Robertson a fresh start, as Berube has a track record of nurturing young talent like Jake Neighbours. However, Robertson will need to prove his worth.

If Robertson remains with Toronto, he will face stiff competition from players like Knies, Max Domi, and Pontus Holmberg for a spot on the left wing. Success in this battle could earn him valuable playing time alongside stars like Auston Matthews or John Tavares, though Domi and Knies already have chemistry with their linemates from last season. On the other hand, if Robertson is traded, he would be one of the few available players on the market as September approaches, offering intriguing potential for teams seeking to bolster their scoring depth. His career totals of 17 goals and 34 points in 87 games could make him an appealing option, especially for teams willing to take a chance on a young player with untapped potential. Following Patrik Laine’s recent trade, Robertson may soon become the next shoot-first winger to find a new home.