Nothing seems to last forever with players and NHL teams. Denis Malgin had a great preseason for the Toronto Maple Leafs and even scored during the team’s first game of the season. But he couldn’t keep the scoring going; and, as a result, he’s being shuffled off the second line.
In his place, Nick Robertson will get the start with new second-line mates John Tavares and William Nylander for tonight’s game against the Dallas Stars. As I’ll note later, it will be a bit of a special event for Robertson because he’ll be able to play against his big brother Jason when the Stars come to town.
Is Malgin Moving Down or Moving Up (to the Pressbox)?
We know from reports that Malgin will be shuffled somewhere; but, whether it will be down to a lower line or off the ice completely as a healthy scratch isn’t known at this point. But we do know that Malgin’s ice time has shrunk over the first few games of the season. He only played 8:44 TOI against the Arizona Coyotes on Monday night.
Given that the team’s bottom six has not been playing that well, it could be that Malgin might fill in on the team’s fourth line. If I had to guess, I think it might be Nicolas Aube-Kubel who won’t play tonight.
Robertson Will Get the Full-Meal Deal Tonight
After not being on the team, Robertson will be given a big opportunity, Not only will he line up as the left-winger on the team’s second line with Tavares and Nylander, but he’ll get a good look as part of the second-unit power-play unit. With that move, Rasmus Sandin will move from the power play.
Maple Leafs’ fans know that Robertson is a skilled winger with a great shot. The question that remains to be answered is how well he’ll fit in with the second line. Right now that line is leading the team in scoring and producing more than the Maple Leafs’ vaunted first line. Can Robertson make it even better?
Will Robertson Show Enough to Earn a Full-Time Spot?
Many Maple Leafs’ fans are anxious to see if Robertson can translate his skill and his bullet shot into production at the NHL level. This could be his chance to show that he can become a valued member of the team’s top six. Make no mistake, Robertson knows this is his big chance.
Robertson Brothers Looking Forward to Playing Each Other
Early in the season (Nick) Robertson circled tonight’s date because his Maple Leafs would be playing his brother Jason’s Stars. The timing could not have been more perfect, now that Nick has made the Maple Leafs’ lineup.
In the video above, the young prospect discusses facing his brother. He also discusses the relief of his brother Jason felt after finally signing a long-term deal to stay in Dallas. Good luck to both brothers, but of course especially to Nick.
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