Yes, Calle Jarnkrok hadn’t played in a while, and it’s not ideal for someone making $2.1 million in AAV to be sidelined so often, but that’s not Robertson’s fault. There is no world where Jarnkrok should get minutes over Robertson. The difficult part is the way Berube lined up, Robertson was pushed to the fourth line and ultimately taken out of the lineup.
The former second-round pick recorded six goals and six assists for 12 points in 27 games this season. He is averaging 12:39 of ice time per night, which is actually a career high for Robertson. His shooting percentage is 15.4%, again a career-high, and before he was scratched he was on pace for about 100 hits, which would be, you guessed it, a career-high.
“It’s been dropped. I’m confident he’ll get it back. To me, he’s lost a little bit of his jump and the tenacity that he plays with, but at the same time, that’s a little bit of ice time and getting the opportunity as well.”
Talk about a confusing message. The message here is essentially that he hasn’t done enough, but also that he hasn’t been given the proper ice time to succeed. Berube needs to do this well this season. Enough is enough. It feels like this is the same song and dance that Robertson has been dealing with since he entered the league five years ago. He has 183 career NHL games and Robertson can’t get tenure. Frankly, there’s no point.
While Robertson and Max Domi have some serious chemistry on the ice, it’s actually Domi who is probably one of the biggest reasons why the lineup is constructed the way it is. Domi’s ability to pass the puck is among the best on the team, so yes, he makes some sense for the top line, but he hasn’t played consistently enough to warrant front-line minutes. Domi should be moved to the fourth line and be one of the trade candidates Brad Treliving discusses. Cowan should get reps with Knies and Matthews, and build their chemistry, because why not have that trio as the top line in Toronto for years to come? Robertson can bring his speed to Tavares’ wing, and given the hockey sense of the three, it seems like only a matter of time before Robertson, Nylander and Tavares break out.
Ultimately, Robertson has asked for a trade before, and with the way he’s doing this season, you can’t blame him if another trade request lands on Treliving’s desk. Berube is mismanaging his ice time, he’s being played in the wrong spot in the Maple Leafs’ lineup, and his talent will certainly be wasted if he doesn’t even dress over Jarnkrok.
The Maple Leafs owe Robertson more and continue to undermine his untapped potential.
PRESENTED BY OFF THE ROSTER
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