Just before Nick Robertson was injured last season, the Toronto Maple Leafs forward talked about figuring out the logistics of bringing up his dog to Toronto.
Although that hasn't happened, perhaps he has found the next best thing.
The 22-year-old revealed following practice on Friday that he had been dog-sitting for William Lagesson while the club was on the road last week and will continue to handle those duties following the Swedish defenseman's waiver claim last week.
“It’s a little more responsibility than I’d like," Robertson said with a smile. "That apartment building when you are on the top floor it kind of sucks going down and stuff. It gives me some responsibility so I look forward to it I guess."
Robertson had plenty of time to look after Lagesson's dog, a duck toller appropriately named 'Ducky' as he waited patiently to get back into the lineup. Having been officially sent down by the Maple Leafs strictly for roster-related reasons, Robertson was unable to travel with the team until he was officially called up on Monday.
With injuries to Mitch Marner (high-ankle) and Calle Jarnkrok (hand) the window of opportunity has opened again for Robertson to play in his first game since Feb. 29 when the club hosts the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.
Robertson practiced on the team's second line alongside Matthew Knies and John Tavares.
"This is the spot where Robbie has been at his best," Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said of Robertson. "To me, he’s played his best hockey when he’s been out of the lineup and has come back in. I’m fully expecting him to make an impact tomorrow."
Expectations for Robertson have been high since the player made his Leafs debut during the 2020 NHL Playoffs. Injuries and production have been an issue for the player as has struggled to find a consistent rhythm with the club.
Frustration crept in for the player earlier in the week when he finally returned to the club after being away from the team while Toronto maneuvered around the roster and salary cap constraints ahead of the trade deadline.
Robertson and Knies have played just over 92 minutes of 5-on-5 hockey together this season and although they've been on the ice for four goals-for and just three goals-against, their possession numbers fall on the lower end of 50 percent. But Knies has never been on a line with the other two players. With a lack of right-hand shot wingers.
As every dog has its day, Robertson has some runway here to prove himself again. But it begins with producing points. He has 11 goals and 15 assists in 72 regular-season games spread over four seasons.
And if it goes well, perhaps 'Ducky' is the good-luck charm Robertson has needed.
"That's something I'll be looking forward to for the next four weeks," Robertson said with a smile.
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