Can Nick Robertson Ever Become as Good as His Brother Jason?…

Can Nick Robertson Ever Become as Good as His Brother Jason?

 

In the world of professional sports, sibling rivalries are nothing new. The National Hockey League (NHL) has seen its fair share of sibling duos rise to prominence. One of the more intriguing cases is that of Nick and Jason Robertson, two brothers who both found success on the ice, albeit in very different ways. While Jason Robertson has quickly emerged as one of the top stars in the NHL, Nick Robertson, though showing potential, has yet to fully cement himself as an elite player. This raises a question that hockey fans and analysts alike are asking: Can Nick Robertson ever become as good as his older brother Jason?

 

Jason Robertson: A Rising Star in the NHL

 

To understand the potential trajectory of Nick Robertson’s career, it’s important to first look at the remarkable rise of Jason Robertson. Drafted by the Dallas Stars in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft, Robertson was known for his impressive offensive skills, including his hockey IQ, ability to score, and sharp playmaking.

 

Jason’s journey to the NHL wasn’t without challenges, but he consistently displayed the kind of determination and work ethic that earned him a spot on the Stars’ roster. By the 2020-2021 season, he was already proving himself to be a formidable force, scoring 17 goals in 51 games. In the 2021-2022 season, Robertson exploded onto the scene, scoring 41 goals and tallying 38 assists for 79 points. This performance not only earned him a place as one of the league’s top young stars but also solidified his role as a key player for the Stars.

 

Jason’s blend of skill, vision, and consistency quickly made him one of the most respected players in the NHL. His rapid rise from a promising prospect to a top-tier forward has set the bar high for his younger brother, Nick.

 

Nick Robertson: A Different Path, But Potential Is Clear

 

Nick Robertson, born just two years after Jason, entered the NHL with similar expectations. Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft, Nick was known for his tenacity and goal-scoring ability. Like Jason, he was expected to make an impact in the league. However, Nick’s path to the NHL has been a bit more challenging.

 

After a standout junior career with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he amassed impressive goal totals, Nick made his debut with the Maple Leafs in 2020. His first season saw a limited number of appearances, but his performance was enough to keep the hope alive that he could follow in his brother’s footsteps. However, injuries have been a major obstacle for Nick, preventing him from establishing a consistent presence in the NHL. These injuries, coupled with the intense competition within the Maple Leafs organization, have slowed his progression compared to Jason’s rapid ascent.

 

Despite these setbacks, Nick has shown flashes of the talent that made him a top prospect. He’s known for his excellent shot, his speed, and his ability to make things happen offensively. However, his small stature (standing at 5’9”) and lack of consistency at the NHL level have left many wondering if he can ever match the level of success his brother has achieved.

 

Comparing the Brothers: Style of Play

 

While both players share a similar skill set, their styles of play are not identical. Jason Robertson is known for his incredible hockey sense, vision, and ability to read the game. He’s a player who can change the course of a game with a single pass or a well-timed shot. His hockey IQ is one of his most valuable assets, allowing him to play in all situations and become a key contributor on both offense and defense. At 6’3″, Robertson is also a more physically imposing figure, able to protect the puck, fight for space in front of the net, and use his size to his advantage.

 

Nick, on the other hand, relies more on his speed and agility. Though smaller than his brother, Nick is quick on his skates and has the ability to dart in and out of scoring areas, often getting into positions where his shot can be most effective. His quick release and accuracy make him a dangerous scoring threat, but he lacks the physicality that Jason can bring to his game. Nick also has a more aggressive and feisty side to his play, frequently throwing his body around and trying to make an impact with his energy.

 

Both players have shown impressive goal-scoring ability, but Jason has been more consistent in his production at the NHL level. The combination of his size, hockey IQ, and versatility has allowed him to excel in all aspects of the game. While Nick has the potential to be a great player, his lack of consistency, coupled with his injury troubles, means that he has yet to reach the same level as Jason.

 

Injuries and Setbacks: The Difference-Maker?

 

Injuries have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping Nick Robertson’s career. Since making his NHL debut, Nick has been plagued by a series of injuries, including a knee injury that required surgery in 2021. These injuries have limited his development and prevented him from gaining the kind of consistent playing time that players like Jason have benefited from. With every injury, Nick’s road to becoming an elite NHL player has become more complicated.

 

On the other hand, Jason Robertson has largely remained injury-free throughout his career. While no player is immune to injury, Robertson’s relatively clean bill of health has allowed him to consistently develop and take on a larger role within the Dallas Stars’ lineup. This durability, combined with his skills, has contributed to his rise as one of the league’s top forwards.

 

The question, then, is whether Nick can overcome these injury issues. If he can stay healthy, his raw talent is undeniable. He possesses the necessary tools to be an impactful player, but those tools need to be developed over time. If Nick can string together a full, healthy season, he may be able to gain the confidence and experience needed to take his game to the next level.

 

The Pressure of the Robertson Name

 

While both Nick and Jason have earned their place in the NHL on their own merits, there’s no denying the pressure that comes with being part of the Robertson family. With Jason’s rapid success, expectations for Nick have always been high. The comparisons are inevitable, and it’s tough for Nick to escape the shadow of his brother’s success.

 

However, Nick is not without his own unique traits and qualities that could eventually see him carve out a successful career. It’s important to remember that the NHL is filled with players who take different paths to success. Some players take longer to develop or face more adversity, but that doesn’t mean they can’t eventually reach the same heights as their more heralded counterparts. If Nick can find the right fit and stay healthy, there’s no reason why he couldn’t become an important player for the Maple Leafs and perhaps even reach the level of his older brother.

 

Can Nick Robertson Catch Up?

 

At this point in their careers, the answer to whether Nick Robertson can ever become as good as Jason Robertson is unclear. Jason’s consistency, skill, and durability have allowed him to thrive in the NHL, making him one of the top young stars in the league. Nick, on the other hand, has shown potential but has struggled with injuries and consistency. However, his work ethic, talent, and determination cannot be overlooked.

 

Nick’s path may not be identical to Jason’s, but that doesn’t mean he won’t get to where his brother is someday. If he can stay healthy, improve his consistency, and get more playing time in the NHL, there’s a possibility that Nick Robertson could eventually reach his full potential and make his mark in the league. The hockey world has seen players come from behind to achieve greatness, and Nick’s story is far from over. Whether or not he can reach the same heights as Jason remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the journey will be worth watching.