Maple Leafs’ Robertson scores OT winner in season debut vs. Stars

Nick Robertson isn’t going anywhere.

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ winger had two goals, including the overtime winner, to beat the Dallas Stars 3-2 at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday.

The 21-year-old was making his regular season debut after being demoted to the Toronto Marlies ahead of the Leafs’ first four games, despite Robertson finishing with eight points in the preseason.

What a way to end it ???? pic.twitter.com/DLemC35Jj6

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 21, 2022

Taking Denis Malgin’s spot on Thursday, the rookie skated on the second line alongside John Tavares and William Nylander. He broke a 1-1 tie with his first goal in the third period before making a slick defensive play in overtime, leading to the game-winner.

Michael Bunting finished with two assists, while Alex Kerfoot scored the other goal for Toronto.

Maple Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov, who is expected to get the bulk of starts following the injury to Matt Murray, was solid in net for Toronto, stopping 26 of 28 shots faced (.929 save percentage). Samsonov, who signed a one-year contract with the Leafs this offseason, has won all three of his starts.

Robertson was selected in the 2nd round (53rd overall) by the Maple Leafs in 2019. His brother, Jason, was drafted two years earlier by the Stars (39th overall) and has established himself as one of the league’s best-scoring wingers.

The elder Robertson brother is coming off a 41-goal and 79-point season. He was rewarded with a four-year, $31-million contract in October, days before the start of the new season.

It’s the second time ever the Robertson brothers have played against one another professionally.

Nick’s heroics gives the Maple Leafs a much-needed win after an inauspicious start, which included a disappointing 4-2 loss to the Arizona Coyotes on Monday that resulted in head coach Sheldon Keefe calling out his top players.

Toronto will travel to Winnipeg for a Saturday night showdown against the Jets.