Nick Robertson has scored his way into the Maple Leafs’ top six.
For one pre-season game, at least.
From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox.
The 21-year-old winger on Sunday skated on a line with centre Alex Kerfoot and William Nylander, forming a trio that is expected to play together Monday night in Montreal against the Canadiens.
It’s a natural progression for Robertson, who scored two goals in Belleville against the Ottawa Senators on Friday after scoring against the Canadiens last Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena.
“The last two pre-season games, it’s the best I’ve seen Nick look in a Leafs jersey,” head coach Sheldon Keefe said. “That has been really positive to see and we want to continue to monitor that.
“I would expect with the remaining games, there are going to be more NHL players playing (for the opposition) and, with that, Nick and the rest of our group will be challenged more.”
Robertson’s effort usually is without question, but his teammates have witnessed him taking it up another notch since camp started.
“He wants to make this team pretty bad,” winger Mitch Marner said. “You can see it with his games, we see it in practice. His compete on the pucks is great, but I think he has always been really good at that. He uses his body pretty well for the size he has, he gets low on the puck and he’s hard to get off it.
“His shot is something that everyone talks about and it’s pretty deadly that he can get it off quickly. He has looked great all camp and it has been fun to watch him.”
For Keefe, Robertson’s recent success in hitting the back of the net has been what the coach called the “missing link.”
“He has been working really hard, he has been on the puck and I’ve been happy with his play away from the puck,” Keefe said. “He’s an offensive player.
“A lot of times if a guy is not showing the ability to do that consistently with that type of skill set, those are the guys you maybe want to give a little more time in the minors and refine their game offensively at the pro level before bringing them in.
“In some cases, what you’ve done to this point works right away for some guys and others have to make adjustments. I think I would put Nick in the adjustment category. That takes time and he’s still a very young guy, as we know. He appears to be making those adjustments and we can see the contributions coming as a result. We’re very encouraged.”
SEE THE WAY
New Leafs goalie coach Curtis Sanford gave his charges a new look on Sunday morning at the Ford Performance Centre.
During pre-practice work, Leafs goalies were taking shots while wearing special goggles that cut down their peripheral vision.
“They’re like blinders,” Matt Murray said. “Basically, it’s a tracking aid that forces you to use the middle of your eyes and the strongest part of your eyes. It gets you in the rhythm of turning your head and tracking the puck. It’s pretty simple. I’ve done it a fair amount.”
Erik Kallgren said he had used the goggles at times in Sweden and was happy to do so again.
“It’s a bit challenging,” Kallgren said. “It makes it harder for you to track the puck and you have to be even more detailed with your visuals. It’s a good tool to use before practice, a good thing to work on.”
LOOSE LEAFS
Forward Pierre Engvall, who twisted his ankle/foot in an on-ice session during the summer, practised for the first time since suffering the injury. Engvall skated on a line with David Kampf and Joey Anderson, but he would not put a definitive timeline on a potential return to games. “I don’t know yet, honestly,” Engvall said. “I’m going to take it day by day and see if I get better. I felt good (Sunday), so that was definitely progress.” The Leafs hope Engvall will be ready for the regular-season opener on Oct. 12 … Keefe on defenceman Jake Muzzin, who continues to work his way back from discomfort in his back: “There have been no setbacks that I’ve been made aware of and he has continued to get through. Any time I’ve talked to him, he’s upbeat and feeling good. The hope is that we’ll continue to increase his workload throughout the week and then make a decision about (whether Muzzin plays in a pre-season game on) the weekend.” … Calle Jarnkrok wasn’t feeling well on Sunday, Keefe said, explaining the forward’s absence from practice. Jarnkrok will continue to be monitored … Marner on the return of Rasmus Sandin: “He’s a big part of this team. The confidence and poise he has on the ice when he gets the puck in his hands, regardless of where he is … It was nice to see him back out there having fun with the fellas.”
tkoshan@postmedia.com
twitter.com/koshtorontosun