Penguins GM Kyle Dubas Must Trade for His Former Player
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Penguins GM Kyle Dubas should be taking a strong look at his former player in Toronto, Nick Robertson, as he has been lighting it up as of late.
Nick Robertson is doing everything in his power to stay in Toronto, despite previous reports a few months ago about how he wanted out.
"I want to be here," he said on Wednesday to The Athletic.
The 23-year-old winger has seized the opportunity and is running with it, putting together consecutive multi-point games, a goal and an assist on the Maple Leafs' 5-4 OT win in Boston and factoring on a couple of goals against Chicago.
"This year as a player, I think I'm better than I was last year," Robertson said. "I'm more well-rounded and playing more, not like a rat, but being hard [to play against]."
In spite of glimpses of brilliance, Robertson battled injuries and limited ice time in his initial four NHL seasons. He played only 31 games in his initial three seasons, shuttling between the Leafs and AHL affiliate Marlies.
Even after posting career highs of 14 goals and 27 points last season, he was sent down mid-season and declined to report, so he requested a trade.
"He's faced a lot of adversity through his time with us," said alternate captain John Tavares, on Robertson's comments. "Obviously has dealt with some tough injuries and he just keeps coming back."
The drama ultimately came to a conclusion in September when he signed a one-year deal, and Robertson is paying off thus far.
Dubas is familiar with Robertson as he drafted him
The elevated degree of his performance may also make him a tantalizing trade chip at the deadline, especially with Kyle Dubas, the ex-Leafs GM, now in Pittsburgh.
Dubas initially drafted Robertson all the way back in 2019 and may seek to reunite with him over in Pittsburgh. The worth of the youthful winger simply continues to increase.
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