NHL News: Nick Robertson Deserves to be in the Lineup, Flyers Prospect Dominates KHL, Juraj Slafkovsky to AHL?
Leafs' Nick Robertson Deserves to be in the Lineup
For a long time within the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, it was clear that many thought that Nick Robertson was a superstar in the making. Unlike Nick's brother Jason, the younger Robertson brother has yet to admit himself to a full-time roster spot.
The Leafs' youngster has only played one single game since November 12th, despite being fully healthy. Leafs' coach Sheldon Keefe has announced that Robertson will slot in for Denis Malgin against the San Jose Sharks tomorrow. Robertson has been practicing on the fourth line along with David Kampf and Zach Aston-Reese.
Robertson will look to add an offensive threat to the Leafs' lineup. The 21-year-old's game revolves around his agility and skating ability, and Robertson has a knack for scoring goals. So far this season, the rookie has suited up for 11 games, scoring two goals and assisting on three other plays.
Flyers' Prospect: Alexei Kolosov Dominates KHL
The Philadelphia Flyers should be extremely pleased with the play of their 20-year-old goaltender, who is currently playing for Minsk Dynamo of the KHL. The Flyers originally selected Alexei Kolosov with the 78th overall selection during the 2021 NHL Draft.
Kolosov has been a young teenager that has been playing professional hockey at the top level in Belarus since the age of 18. Kolosov shared the crease with teammate Patrik Rybar last season, but has taken over the starting job this season due to his outstanding play.
The Belarusian netminder stands at six-foot-one and is noted as a quick, fast-paced, smooth netminder. Kolosov's skating is his best aspect; he is calm in all situations and has found success at all levels he has played at.
Last season, Kolosov played in 22 games for Minsk Dynamo. The 18-year-old posted an impressive 11-9-1 record with a 2.90 GAA and .906 save percentage. So far this season, the netminder has seen an increase in stats, as he currently supports a .913 save percentage in 25 starts.
Should the Habs' Send Juraj Slafkovsky to the AHL?
Let's be real: Juraj Slafkovsky's transition to the NHL has not been smooth. Should the Montreal Canadiens send their prized prospect down to the AHL? Yes. The Habs need to find Slafkovsky ice time; a brief stint in the minors may be what Slafkovsky's confidence needs.
Ice time has been a concern within the Montreal Canadiens organization for Slafkovsky. Do you really want your future star to play ten minutes a night in the NHL or more than 19 minutes in the AHL? For example, in the last game against the Chicago Blackhawks, the Slovakian forward logged just eight minutes on ice. The Habs need to look into the future, as they currently sit outside the playoff picture.
Further, a brief AHL stint may be the motivation Slafkovsky needs to get back on track. AHL demotion would almost certainly result in a large number of points at the AHL level, providing a sense of relief to a talented player.
Slafkovsky currently has just three goals and two assists in 16 games. An AHL demotion may be what is needed to better the development of this young superstar.