Toronto Maple Leafs lose forward to season-ending surgery

Nick Robertson has faced incredible adversity early on in his career. Between COVID seasons stunting development and battling injury when he had the opportunity to play games, Robertson has only mustered 31 games in the NHL, and not much more in the AHL over the past three years. Now, Robertson will undergo season-ending surgery.

Robertson sustained a shoulder injury on December 10th when the Leafs were on the road in Los Angeles to take on the Kings. Robertson took a hit from Kings' defenceman Matt Roy, and had to be helped off the ice.

Robertson is still a talented prospect, but after only putting up 3 goals and 7 points in his 31 game NHL career, he's never had the ability to stay in games and build momentum through a season.

He could still be in the Leafs future plans, but lately it's seemed more likely Robertson could become a trade chip for an acquisition at the deadline. If another team believes in Robertson's development, the time could be right for the Leafs to move on from him.