This afternoon <a href='https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Toronto Maple Leafs</a> forward <a href='https://www.markerzone.com/hockey/stats/nhl/player/Nicholas-Robertson-54999' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Nick Robertson</a> spoke out after once again being benched in favor of veteran forwards. Nick Robertson has had a complicated relationship with the Toronto Maple Leafs over the last couple of seasons. After being considered one of the top prospects in the organization Nick Robertson's career has come crashing down over the last 2 years. A laundry list of injuries along with other players stepping up knocked Nick Robertson down the pecking order of the Maple Leafs lineup. Last season he struggled to get into the lineup under former <a href='https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/why-sheldon-keefe-decided-to-return-to-coaching-right-away/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>head coach Sheldon Keefe</a>. His lack of playing time led to a trade request from Nick Robertson over the summer according to reports from Frank Seravalli. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/frank_seravalli/status/1833530500952236145'> </a></blockquote></div> At some point early into training camp new head coach Craig Berube sat down with Nick Robertson. At that time it was believed that Nick Robertson was excited to remain in Toronto and compete for ice time under the new regime. However, just a few weeks into the season things have come crashing back down for Nick Robertson. Earlier this week he was scratched for the first time against the Winnipeg Jets. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Leafslatest/status/1850927089446256895'> </a></blockquote></div> At the time the scratch confused a lot of fans as Nick Robertson had been playing quite well to begin the season. However, having just one point in nine games was not good enough for Craig Berube. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/AustonMatt51041/status/1850546279689994725'> </a></blockquote></div> Now it has been revealed that Nick Robertson will sit out a second game in a row. After finding out this new Nick Robertson had a chance to speak to the media. <h3>Nick Robertson addresses being scratched for a second game in a row</h3> Of course, this is disappointing news for Nick Robertson who was hoping to make it back onto the ice for the Toronto Maple Leafs and make an impact. Nick Robertson's rocky relationship with the Toronto Maple Leafs would lead one to believe he might show frustration and anger toward the decision. Instead, Nick Robertson seems to have taken ownership of his play and understands he has to continue working hard to earn his ice time. I mean, again, I don't know. I'm not sure if it's a surprise or not. I just go with it. I don't take it personally; I just have to work hard. And again, there are other guys who aren't playing that probably should be. It's just part of the deal, and it's my job to keep working hard. This is a good sign that Nick Robertson has a competitive mindset still even though he has lost out on his roster spot for a second season in a row. It will be interesting to see how long the Toronto Maple Leafs keep Nick Robertson out of the lineup. If it extends too long we could begin to hear trade rumors fired up again. The Toronto Maple Leafs will host <a href='https://www.nhl.com/kraken/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>the Seattle Kraken</a> tomorrow night. If the team plays well and wins once again it could cement Nick Robertson's fate with the Toronto Maple Leafs for good.