Maple Leafs’ Nick Robertson to make NHL debut vs. Blue Jackets Sunday

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson will make his NHL debut on Sunday in the team’s qualifying-round series opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

In stepping onto the ice on Sunday, Robertson will be the first 18-year-old to debut in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since Jarome Iginla in 1996.

“We’re anxious to see how he can handle it,” Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said. “I believe he is prepared and ready for it. That’s why we are confident in putting him in.”

Robertson was named on the Maple Leafs’ 30-man playoff roster on July 26 after being called into camp for the NHL’s return to play.

The teenager is coming off a stellar season with the Peterborough Petes in the OHL after registering 55 goals and 31 assists in 46 games.

Robertson was selected in the second round (53rd overall) by the Maple Leafs in the 2019 draft.

[relatedlinks]

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.