Sheldon Keefe makes another controversial lineup decision.
Fans are not happy.
In spite of the fact that they've hit some bumps in the road in the early going of the 2022-23 National Hockey League regular season the Toronto Maple Leafs currently sit in a relatively comfortable position with the second most points in the NHL's Atlantic Division, with only the Boston Bruins currently boasting more.
As a result of some of those bumps in the road, Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe has had to make some tough decisions come game time and it appears that on Saturday he has once again made a call that hasn't sat well with at least some members of the Maple Leafs' fan base.
According to a report from Leafs reporter Jonas Siegel, Keefe will once again make talented young forward Nick Robertson a healthy scratch on Saturday when the Maple Leafs face the Buffalo Sabres. This marks the third consecutive game in which Robertson has been made a healthy scratch, no doubt a frustrating situation for the youngster who has appeared in just 10 of what will soon be 19 games for the Maple Leafs this season.
This of course once again raises questions about Robertson's development, considering the fact that he could be playing in the American Hockey League for the Toronto Marlies where he had 2 points in 2 games this season. That being said Robertson has also proven to be a solid producer at the NHL level with 2 goals and 3 assists over his limited play time in his 10 appearances this season.
When asked about the decision Keefe admitted that it was something that was discussed frequently in internal conversations.
“It’s a daily discussion with us,” admitted Sheldon Keefe when asked about Robertson getting back in the lineup.
The reaction from fans in Toronto to the news has not been positive with many seemingly believing that Robertson has earned a spot in the lineup, notably over Pierre Engvall who was specifically mentioned by many as a candidate for a health scratch.
Here are just a few examples of the responses:
Unfortunately for those upset by the decision, I doubt very much that the protests from fans will be influencing Keefe's decision making.
