Maple Leafs prospect Nick Robertson out 10 weeks with a fractured leg

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Nick Robertson will be out a minimum of 10 weeks with a broken leg.

Robertson, who started the season with the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies, has a non-displaced fracture of his right fibula.

The Marlies said Tuesday he was injured in Sunday’s 5-0 loss to the Manitoba Moose.

Robertson will not need surgery.

“You feel for Nick,” Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said. “It’s tough luck for him. He’s coming off a good (training) camp. I know he’s excited to have a good season.

“It’s very unfortunate.”

The 20-year-old forward had two assists in two games with the minor-league club this season.

He had five goals and 11 assists for the Marlies in the 2020-21 campaign

Robertson was selected 53rd overall by the Leafs in the 2019 NHL draft. He had an assist in six games last season with the NHL team.

“It’s tough to see that happen,” Keefe added. “But I also know because of how hard he works and the commitment that he has, that if anybody’s going to work their way through that and bounce back, he’s going to do that. He battled some injuries last season as well, and this will be no different.

“As unfortunate it is, these things happen and you’ve got to find your way through it.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2021.

The Canadian Press