Many thought coach Craig Berube was sending a message when Robertson was one of the few regulars from last season not to play in Sunday’s pre-season opener, a 6-5 overtime loss to the Senators. But the reverse is closer to the truth.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are grappling with some tough roster and cap decisions as training camp progresses and with the regular season starting on Oct. 4. Among the most pressing concerns is how to fit both forwards Nick Robertson and Max Pacioretty onto the team's final roster,

The Leafs lost 2-1 at the Canadian Tire Centre against the Ottawa Senators with the deciding goal scored by Zack Ostapchuk at 12:36 of the third period after he intercepted a pass by Toronto defenceman Nicolas Mattinen and beat Dennis Hildeby with a deke.

The story surrounding Nick Robertson and the Toronto Maple Leafs took a significant turn last week when the 23-year-old signed a one-year, $895,000 deal.

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving addressed Nick Robertson’s future with the team, speaking to reporters at the team's practice on September 12. The media availability followed the 22-year-old forward’s recent one-year contract extension to stay with the team for the upcoming campaign on a bridge deal.

Imagine you’re Craig Berube, the new head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. You’ve just coached your first preseason game, rolling out what was likely your best lineup, and yet you lost 6-5 to the young and hungry Ottawa Senators.

Sunday’s exhibition opener at Scotiabank Arena marked the unofficial debut of Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube, who was hired over the summer to replace the terminated Sheldon Keefe after Toronto’s latest first-round postseason exit.