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Is Maple Leafs’ #1 Prospect Nick Robertson Snake Bit?

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ #1 prospect Nick Robertson just broke his leg. Is he snake bit? What’s his injury prognosis? When will he be back?

For the Toronto Maple Leafs’ number one prospect Nick Robertson, it just seems to be one bad thing happening after another. The last incident was that during Sunday’s AHL Toronto Marlies’ game against the Manitoba Moose, Robertson was involved in a collision behind the net and had to leave the game.

Then the bad news came. Robertson will be out for at least 10 weeks with a broken leg. He’s come back before and, according to his head coach Sheldon Keefe, “he’ll bounce back” again. Still, it’s tough. You have to wonder if he’ll ever get into his NHL career.

Related: Three Takeaways from the Maple Leafs’ 2-1 Overtime Loss to the Rangers

The News About Nick Robertson

The Maple Leafs reported yesterday that its number one prospect Robertson had suffered a “non-displaced fracture of his right fibula.” By the way, a non-displaced fracture is one where the broken bones remain aligned. It can be caused by a hit (or trauma) but can also be caused by a twist. It looked like a little of both to me as I watched the video.

What’s the Prognosis?

Robertson’s injury during the AHL game on Sunday will keep him out of action for at least 10 weeks. However, the good news is that he won’t need surgery. 

In an interview yesterday, Maple Leafs’ head coach Sheldon Keefe admitted that he feels rotten for Robertson, but that Robertson would bounce back. In the interview below, Keefe talked about Robertson’s prognosis with the media.

What Keefe Had to Say About Robertson

Head coach Keefe noted that, first and foremost, he “feels sorry for Nick.” Who doesn’t, really? The injury is tremendously tough luck, because – as Keefe noted – Robertson had a good training camp and was excited to capitalize on that camp and have a good season. To further that, Keefe noted that he had watched most of the first game that the Marlies played, and he thought Robertson looked good.

But Keefe then pointed out that, “as unfortunate as the injury was and as much as you feel for him, you know a guy who works as hard as he does and is as committed as he is” would be able to work through the injury. 

In fact, Keefe added that “if anybody’s gonna work through it, then bounce back, he’s (Robertson) gonna do that.”

Robertson’s a Young Battler and Will Be Back, Still …

Keefe noted that Robertson also battled some injuries last season as well and this will be no different. As unfortunate as it is, these things happen and you gotta find your way through it.

Sheldon Keefe Toronto Marlies AHL
Sheldon Keefe when he was with the Toronto Marlies – posted to Flickr by TheAHL at https://flickr.com/photos/75205285@N06/42307301044

When asked if Robertson’s long-term development might suffer, he thought that –  first and foremost – he just has to take care of his leg and heal. He admitted that he didn’t know anything more than that “it’s unfortunate.” 

However, Keefe believed that broken legs are quite common they don’t think they have a lot of negative impact on Robertson into the future. Maple Leafs fans have to hope that’s true of the snake-bit young player with one of the organization’s biggest engines.

Related: Can Maple Leafs Sheldon Keefe Win with a Different Team in 2021-22?

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