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 recorded one goal in four games. He is the younger brother of Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson.
Born in Pasadena, California, Robertson developed his game on both sides of the border before establishing himself as a consistent contributor in the Maple Leafs organization. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing around 173 pounds, he has overcome size questions through skill and a steady work ethic.
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, where she later met her Michigan-born husband. Robertson grew up alongside his older brothers Jason and Michael and his older sister Brianne.
Before the family relocated, his parents owned season tickets to the Los Angeles Kings, and young Nicholas often attended games with his brothers. He began playing minor hockey while living in Southern California, an unusual starting point for a future NHL prospect. At eight years old, the family moved to Michigan to provide better hockey opportunities, a decision that helped shape his development.
His sister Brianne is also involved in athletics and works as a professional martial artist specializing in jujitsu. The family’s athletic background gave Robertson a competitive environment at home, where multiple sports were encouraged alongside hockey.
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). In the 2016–17 season, he recorded 18 goals and 18 assists over 32 games while also appearing in four games with the North York Rangers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). His performances drew attention from major junior scouts across Ontario.
He was eventually drafted 17th overall by the Peterborough Petes in the 2017 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Draft. Robertson played three seasons with the Petes, developing into one of the league’s most reliable goal scorers. In his final OHL campaign, he scored 55 goals and 31 assists for 86 points before the season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
That year he became the first Petes player to score 50 goals in a season since Jason Dawe and Mike Harding accomplished the feat in 1992–93. Robertson received the CHL Sportsman of the Year Award and was named to the 2019–20 OHL All-Star Team. He was also selected as the Petes’ nominee for the Red Tilson Trophy as OHL MVP.
Nicholas Robertson Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
Robertson spent three seasons with the Peterborough Petes from 2017 to 2020, establishing himself as one of the Ontario Hockey League’s premier offensive players. His final major junior season produced 55 goals and 31 assists, cementing his status as a top NHL prospect. His leadership and discipline that season earned him league-wide recognition.
On September 19, 2019, Robertson signed an entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs after being drafted 53rd overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. 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.
Toronto Maple Leafs Debut (2020 Playoffs)
Robertson 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. Upon debuting, he became the youngest player on all NHL rosters for the Qualifiers and the youngest ever to appear in the postseason since April 21, 1996, when Jarome Iginla made his professional debut.
On August 6, 2020, in Game 3 of the Qualifiers, Robertson beat Blue Jackets goaltender Joonas Korpisalo for his first NHL goal in a 4–3 overtime loss. He became the third player in franchise history to record a playoff goal before his 19th birthday, joining Jack Hamilton in 1943 and Ted Kennedy in 1944. Despite Robertson’s promising play, the Maple Leafs were eliminated in five games by Columbus.
Toronto Maple Leafs Development (2020–2024)
In the following season, Robertson was subjected to a series of long-term injuries, suffering a knee injury in his season debut. The 2021–22 season brought a broken leg, which limited his playing time with both Toronto and the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. These setbacks tested his patience and durability.
Robertson began the 2022–23 season with the Marlies but, after scoring two points in two games, was recalled to the Maple Leafs. He made 15 appearances with Toronto, registering two goals and five points before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury against the Los Angeles Kings on December 8, 2022, which required surgery. He attended the Maple Leafs’ 2023 training camp but was assigned to the Marlies to start the 2023–24 season.
Robertson was recalled by the Maple Leafs 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 make 56 appearances for Toronto, scoring 14 goals and 27 points.
Toronto Maple Leafs Era (2024–Present)
In the offseason following 2023–24, 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 Maple Leafs out of training camp and played on the third line with Max Pacioretty and Pontus Holmberg.
On August 2, 2025, Toronto re-signed Robertson to a one-year extension, avoiding arbitration. The deal underlined the organization’s continued confidence in his role within the forward group.
Driving Style and Strengths
Robertson is recognized for his scoring touch, hockey sense, and competitiveness despite his smaller frame. His ability to find soft ice in the offensive zone and finish with a quick release makes him a reliable middle-six contributor. He has built strong chemistry with veteran linemates, including Max Pacioretty, which has translated into consistent production.
Notable Events and Milestones
Robertson’s first NHL goal during the 2020 playoffs against Columbus stands as one of his signature moments, making him the third Leafs player to record a postseason goal before turning 19. Becoming the first Petes player to score 50 goals in a season since 1992–93 also marks a defining milestone. His CHL Sportsman of the Year Award underscores his standing within the Canadian junior hockey community.
Nicholas Robertson Career Wins
Robertson’s trophy case features the CHL Sportsman of the Year Award earned after his final OHL campaign, in which he posted 55 goals and 31 assists. He was also named to the 2019–20 OHL All-Star Team and selected as the Petes’ nominee for the Red Tilson Trophy as OHL MVP.
OHL Highlights
Across three seasons with the Peterborough Petes, Robertson developed into a leading goal scorer in the Ontario Hockey League. His 55-goal final season placed him among the top offensive talents in the league. That performance also cemented his place in Petes history as the first 50-goal scorer since 1992–93.
Nicholas Robertson Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Nicholas Robertson comes from a sports-oriented family led by parents Hugh and Mercedes. His older brother Jason Robertson plays left wing for the Dallas Stars and has emerged as one of the NHL’s top scorers. Another brother, Michael, also pursued hockey at a competitive level.
Personal Life
Robertson moved from Pasadena, California, to Michigan at age eight to access stronger hockey opportunities. His mother, born in Manila, Philippines, raised her family with a focus on athletics and education. His sister Brianne is a professional martial artist specializing in jujitsu, extending the family’s athletic footprint beyond hockey.
2025 Season Performance
Nicholas Robertson entered the 2025 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs after signing a one-year contract extension on August 2, 2025. The agreement ended any uncertainty around his future with the organization heading into training camp. His role on the third line alongside Max Pacioretty and Pontus Holmberg gave him a clear opportunity to produce.
Throughout the early portion of the campaign, Robertson continued to provide secondary scoring and penalty-killing value for head coach Craig Berube. His familiarity with the system and his linemates allowed him to settle into a consistent role. The Maple Leafs’ depth chart offered him regular ice time on a line expected to drive matchup advantages.
Robertson’s outlook for the remainder of the season centers on staying healthy and continuing to deliver two-way play. With arbitration behind him and a full season ahead, he remains a key piece of Toronto’s bottom-six forward group. His brother Jason’s success in Dallas also keeps the family name in the spotlight across the league.