Report: Maple Leafs Coach "Assured" Nick Robertson Of Opportunity

One of the dramas surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs over the summer was the status of Nick Robertson. The restricted free agent has had limited opportunities with the team over his four seasons, and his frustration boiled over into a trade request, and a claim that he will not sign a new contract with the team as an RFA.

But the Leafs have stood firm, saying they aren't looking to trade Robertson, and now we get word from insider Darren Dreger that new head coach Craig Berube has done his best to smooth things over with the disgruntled 23-year-old and that it's likely he'll be signing after all.

I believe that they're going to get something done, that Nick Robertson is going to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs... I know that he had a conversation with Craig Berube... and Berube assured him, 'Look, take a look at our left side, man! There's nothing but opportunity in this lineup.' He assured him that he'd be given a chance.

The Leafs lost Tyler Bertuzzi in free agency this summer to the Chicago Blackhawks, and after Matthew Knies, left wing is a huge question mark. Sure, 28-year-old Bobby McMann had an intriguing breakthrough last season at an advanced age, popping 15 goals in 56 games in just 11:34 ice time per night. But can he do it again?

And after that, it's Pontus Holmberg and Connor Dewar. No question that there is every chance for Robertson, if he lives up to what he showed in flashes last season, to grab a job in the top nine (heck, maybe even the top six) and run with it.

"They like his skill set," added Dreger. All that needs to happen is for Robertson to stay healthy for a full season. That has really been his biggest deterrent to an NHL breakthrough.

Last year, the sniper lit the lamp 14 times in 56 games in Toronto in just 11:23 playing time per contest, with a 14.6% shooting percentage. In 87 NHL games stretched across four seasons, he has 17 goals and 34 points.