Nicholas Robertson

Given a chance to stick in the Maple Leafs' lineup for a while, Robertson did fine with 27 points and 96 shots on goal in 56 regular-season contests. He'll play all of 2024-25 at the age of 23, which still lends some optimism that we haven't seen Robertson's top gear. Unfortunately, it'll be difficult for him to reach the next level if he continues to see bottom-six minutes -- he averaged just 11:23 of ice time last season. Robertson's youth is a plus, but he'll need to work his way into a regular top-six role to make sustainable gains on offense. Keep an eye on him in training camp, as a strong showing there could make him a popular sleeper pick in drafts scheduled closer to the start of the campaign.

Robertson played just 15 games for Toronto a season ago (two goals, five points) and none after early December. It was announced in mid-January he underwent shoulder surgery which wiped out the rest of his year. Set to turn 22 just prior to the start of training camp, Robertson has seemed like a prime change-of-scenery candidate for a couple seasons now and nothing has changed on that front. The shoulder issue came with a six-month recovery period, so Robertson shouldn't be at risk of missing any time in 2023-24, but he's almost certainly going to start the campaign in the AHL.

Robertson's ascension over the 2019-20 season was nothing short of amazing. Drafted 53rd overall in the 2019 Draft, he scored 55 goals (86 points) in just 43 games with the OHL Peterborough Petes and was invited to the Leafs' return-to-play training camp. Robertson then dressed in four games against Columbus in the qualifying round and didn't look out of place -- he even drove play when he was on the ice and scored his first goal. His release is a rocket and he's like a dog on a bone in puck pursuit. The kid is a second-round steal and could break camp this season on the third line. Robertson will be in the top six in a few short years.