Nicholas Robertson Bio
Nicholas Robertson is an American professional ice hockey left winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on September 11, 2001, in Pasadena, California, Robertson was selected 53rd overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2019 NHL entry draft. He made his NHL debut during the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, scoring one goal in four games, and he is the younger brother of Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson.
Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 161 pounds, Robertson has built his career on speed, skill, and a willingness to play through adversity. He has represented the Maple Leafs organization at both the NHL and American Hockey League (AHL) levels, where he has produced offensively while developing his two-way game.
Early Life and Background
Nicholas Robertson was born in Pasadena, California, to parents Hugh and Mercedes. His mother, Mercedes, was born in Manila, Philippines, and moved to North America as a child, where she later met her Michigan-born husband Hugh. The Robertson family includes brothers Jason and Michael, as well as an older sister named Brianne, who is a professional martial artist specializing in jujitsu.
Raised in Southern California, Robertson began playing minor hockey at a young age. His parents owned season tickets to the Los Angeles Kings, and he often attended games with his brothers, an experience that helped shape his love for the sport. When Robertson was eight years old, the family moved to Michigan so he could pursue stronger hockey opportunities and compete at a higher level.
Path to Hockey
After relocating to Michigan, Robertson continued developing his game in youth hockey before eventually joining the Toronto Red Wings, a AAA minor hockey team in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). During the 2016–17 season, he recorded 18 goals and 18 assists in 32 games while also appearing in four games with the North York Rangers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).
His strong play drew the attention of Ontario Hockey League (OHL) scouts, and he was selected 17th overall by the Peterborough Petes in the 2017 OHL Draft. Robertson spent three seasons with the Petes, growing into one of the league’s top scorers and eventually emerging as a high-value prospect for the NHL draft.
Nicholas Robertson Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
Robertson played three seasons with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League. In his draft year of 2017, he joined a development program that emphasized skill and offensive creativity. Over his final season with the Petes, he scored 55 goals and 31 assists for 86 points before the OHL season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
That season, Robertson became the first Peterborough Petes player to score 50 goals in a season since Jason Dawe and Mike Harding accomplished the feat in 1992–93. His dominant performance earned him the CHL Sportsman of the Year Award and a place on the 2019–20 OHL All-Star Team, while he was also named the Petes’ nominee for the Red Tilson Trophy as OHL Most Valuable Player.
NHL Debut and Maple Leafs Arrival (2020–2021)
Robertson was selected 53rd overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2019 NHL entry draft and signed an entry-level contract with the team on September 19, 2019. After the 2019–20 OHL season was canceled, he returned to Los Angeles to train before joining the Maple Leafs for the Return to Play initiative.
He participated in the Maple Leafs’ training camp ahead of the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs and made his NHL debut during the qualifying rounds against the Columbus Blue Jackets. At the time, he became the youngest player on all NHL rosters for the qualifiers and the youngest player to appear in the NHL postseason since Jarome Iginla made his professional debut on April 21, 1996. On August 6, 2020, in Game 3 of the qualifiers, Robertson scored his first NHL goal against Blue Jackets goaltender Joonas Korpisalo in a 4–3 overtime loss, becoming the third player in franchise history to record a playoff goal before his 19th birthday, joining Jack Hamilton (1943) and Ted Kennedy (1944). The Maple Leafs were eliminated in five games by Columbus.
Injury Challenges and AHL Development (2021–2023)
In the following season, Robertson suffered a knee injury in his season debut, limiting his playing time. The 2021–22 season brought another setback when he suffered a broken leg, restricting his appearances with both the Maple Leafs and their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.
Robertson began the 2022–23 season with the Marlies and scored two points in two games before being recalled to the NHL. He went on to make 15 appearances with the Maple Leafs, registering two goals and five points, before a season-ending shoulder injury on December 8, 2022, against the Los Angeles Kings required surgery.
Toronto Maple Leafs Era (2023–Present)
Robertson attended the Maple Leafs’ 2023 training camp but was assigned to the Marlies to begin the 2023–24 season. He was recalled on November 6, 2023, and made his season debut that night in a 6–5 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. He went on to play 56 games for the Maple Leafs that season, scoring 14 goals and 27 points.
During the offseason, Robertson requested a trade from the Maple Leafs. However, he ultimately re-signed with Toronto to a one-year contract on September 10, 2024. He made the team out of training camp and played on the third line alongside Max Pacioretty and Pontus Holmberg. On August 2, 2025, Toronto re-signed Robertson to a one-year extension, avoiding arbitration.
Driving Style and Strengths
Robertson is known for his offensive instincts, quick hands, and ability to generate scoring chances around the net. Despite his smaller frame, he plays with energy and physical commitment, contributing on both special teams and at even strength. His skill set allows him to fit into a variety of forward roles within the Maple Leafs lineup.
Notable Events and Milestones
Robertson’s first NHL goal during the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs stands as one of his signature early-career moments, placing him in a small group of franchise players to score in the postseason before turning 19. His 50-goal season with the Peterborough Petes also marked a historic milestone for the program and helped establish him as a legitimate NHL prospect.
Nicholas Robertson Career Wins
While individual goal totals are a better measure of Robertson’s production than race-style victories, his career highlights include key offensive achievements across the OHL and NHL levels.
OHL and NHL Highlights
During his time with the Peterborough Petes, Robertson recorded 55 goals and 31 assists in his final OHL season, including the franchise’s first 50-goal campaign since 1992–93. In the NHL, his first career playoff goal came against the Columbus Blue Jackets in August 2020.
Robertson also produced a 14-goal, 27-point campaign with the Maple Leafs in 2023–24, marking one of his most productive NHL seasons to date. His CHL Sportsman of the Year Award and OHL All-Star selection reflect his standing as one of the top young forwards of his draft class.
Other Performances
Robertson has represented the Toronto Marlies of the AHL during injury recoveries and development assignments, contributing offensively when called up. His performances at both the junior and professional levels have reinforced his reputation as a skilled and dependable scorer.
Nicholas Robertson Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Nicholas Robertson comes from a close and athletic family. His father, Hugh, was born in Michigan, while his mother, Mercedes, was born in Manila, Philippines, before moving to North America as a child. His older brother, Jason Robertson, plays left wing for the Dallas Stars and is one of the NHL’s top scorers.
The Robertson family has a deep connection to hockey. Brothers Jason and Michael both pursued the sport, and the family moved from California to Michigan when Nicholas was eight years old to give him better hockey opportunities. His older sister, Brianne, is a professional martial artist who specializes in jujitsu.
Personal Life
Robertson maintains strong ties to his family and remains active on social media, where he is known as Nick Robertson. His parents’ support has played a significant role in his development, and his brother Jason’s success in the NHL has served as motivation throughout his career.
2025 Season Performance
Robertson entered the 2025 season under contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs after signing a one-year extension on August 2, 2025, avoiding arbitration. He carried strong momentum into the campaign after posting 14 goals and 27 points during the 2023–24 season and earning a place on the team’s third line.
Throughout the early portion of the year, Robertson continued to be a depth scoring option for Toronto, using his speed and shot to contribute on the lower forward lines. His ability to play alongside veterans such as Max Pacioretty and Pontus Holmberg has helped him find a consistent role within the lineup.
As the season progressed, Robertson’s growth remained an important storyline for the Maple Leafs, both in terms of his offensive production and his two-way reliability. With a new contract in place, he is expected to remain a contributor as Toronto pursues postseason success.