The 22-year-old winger is back with the Maple Leafs, recalled on Monday from the Toronto Marlies, nine days after he was loaned to the Leafs’ American Hockey League affiliate.
Robertson is waivers exempt, but he’s not thrilled with the circumstances while acknowledging the situation he is in.
In 41 games with the Leafs, Robertson has 19 points (eight goals and 11 assists). In 14 games before he was demoted, he had one goal and five assists.
“I understand it, but I’m not going to sit here and say I’m happy,” Robertson said. “I want to play, but I understand my contract situation. If it wasn’t the way it was, maybe it would be a different situation, but it is what it is.”
The only other Leafs player who doesn’t require waivers to go down is winger Matthew Knies, and there is no way he is coming off the roster. The fact of the matter with Robertson is this: If he was playing at a level that satisfied the Leafs every night, he would not have been sent to the Marlies. As it was, he spent the time working with the organization’s development staff.
On Monday, Robertson was an extra forward along with Noah Gregor.
For Robertson, it’s about waiting for the opportunity and being patient. Coach Sheldon Keefe agreed with that notion.
“I would say so,” Keefe said. “First day having him back with the group in a while. It’s nice to see him back and nice to have him feel like he’s still a part of what we’re doing here.”
To recall Robertson, the Leafs moved defenceman Mark Giordano to longterm injured reserve to create space under the salary cap. Giordano practised on Monday as he continues to recover from a concussion.
With the LTIR move, Giordano is not eligible to return to the lineup until March 26 against the New Jersey Devils.
