Nicholas Robertson Bio
Nicholas “Nick” Robertson is an American professional ice hockey left winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected 53rd overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2019 NHL entry draft. He made his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs during the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, where he had 1 goal in 4 games. He is the younger brother of Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson.
Early Life and Background
Nicholas Robertson was born on September 11, 2001, in Pasadena, California, to parents Hugh and Mercedes. His mother was born in Manila, Philippines, and moved to North America as a child. Nicholas grew up in a sports-oriented family, often attending Los Angeles Kings games with his brothers Jason and Michael. He began playing minor hockey while living in Southern California before moving to Michigan at the age of eight for better hockey opportunities. His older sister, Brianne, is also athletic and is a professional martial artist specializing in jujitsu.
Path to Hockey
Robertson began his hockey career in Toronto with the AAA minor hockey team Toronto Red Wings in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). During the 2016–17 season, he recorded 18 goals and 18 assists over 32 games. His performance garnered attention from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), leading to his selection 17th overall by the Peterborough Petes in the 2017 OHL Draft. He played with the Petes for three seasons, scoring 55 goals and 31 assists for 86 points in his final year before the OHL season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. His successful season earned him the CHL Sportsman of the Year Award and a spot on the 2019–20 OHL All-Star Team.
Nicholas Robertson Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Nicholas Robertson was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL 53rd overall in the 2019 NHL entry draft and signed an entry-level contract with the team on September 19, 2019. Following the cancellation of the 2019–20 OHL season, he returned to Los Angeles to train before joining the Maple Leafs for their Return to Play initiative. He participated in the Leafs training camp before the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs and made his NHL debut during the qualifying rounds against the Columbus Blue Jackets. In his debut, he became the youngest player on all NHL rosters and the youngest ever in the postseason since Jarome Iginla in 1996.
Breakthrough (2021–Present)
In Game 3 of the Qualifiers against the Blue Jackets, Robertson scored his first NHL goal, becoming the third player in franchise history to record a playoff goal before their 19th birthday. Despite his impressive performance, the Maple Leafs were eliminated in five games by Columbus. The following season, Robertson faced a series of long-term injuries, including a knee injury in his season debut and a broken leg during the 2021–22 season. He began the 2022–23 season with the Toronto Marlies but was recalled after scoring two points in two games. He made 15 appearances with the Maple Leafs, registering two goals and five points before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury against the Los Angeles Kings, which required surgery.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Nicholas Robertson has made significant contributions to the Toronto Maple Leafs, including scoring goals in crucial playoff games. He has received recognition for his performance, including the CHL Sportsman of the Year Award.
Nicholas Robertson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Nicholas Robertson has been recognized for his outstanding performance in hockey, including being nominated for prestigious awards such as the Red Tilson Trophy as OHL MVP.
Nicholas Robertson Awards Won
Nicholas Robertson has achieved notable recognition in his career, including winning the CHL Sportsman of the Year Award for his exemplary conduct on and off the ice.
Nicholas Robertson Family
Nicholas Robertson was born to Hugh and Mercedes. His family has a strong athletic background, with his brother Jason Robertson also playing in the NHL and his sister Brianne being a professional martial artist.
Personal Life
Nicholas Robertson maintains a relatively private personal life. He has focused on his hockey career while also being involved in family activities and supporting his siblings in their athletic pursuits.
