There is one of those rumours around today for the Toronto Maple Leafs that really feel like they won’t be resolved today. It is being reported that pending restricted free agent Nick Robertson will be headed towards free agency. Of course, being an RFA as Robertson is, those situations don’t always end well. Therefore, this should help to provide some clarity on the Leafs management’s focus heading into the summer’s free agent period. Not to mention a couple of trades out of the way now to helping to build the roster.
Sources say that RFA Nick Robertson has no plans to re-sign with the #leafs this summer and has informed the team that he would like to be traded.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2024
In Toronto Maple Leafs Rumours, Nick Robertson Seeks Trade Out of Town
The Chris Johnston tweet is saying that Robertson will not return to the Leafs. In contrast, because of Robertson’s RFA status, this would add a wrinkle to both the player’s and the club’s plans. Therefore, Robertson has essentially demanded a trade out of Toronto. Watching Robertson’s development thus far with the Leafs, it is not entirely shocking to see such a request made.
Nick Robertson came to the Leafs as a goal-scorer with the Peterborough Petes of the OHL. Drafted 53rd overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft by the Leafs, he then went on to score 55 goals in 46 games during the 2019-20 season with Peterborough. Furthermore, he has shown to be a point producer at every level he’s played. For instance, in 2021-22, with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, he scored 16 goals in just 28 games.
Now, of course, injuries have factored in, but overall Robertson hasn’t been given the type of opportunity that he would like. The soon-to-be 23 year old, still only has 87 career NHL games under his belt. As a result, he has found it difficult to find his stride offensively. Moreover, that is exactly the problem that Jason Robertson’s little brother has felt, is without more opportunity, how can he be expected to find his stride. In those 87 games, he has only received 11:02 of average ice time. It is not like he hasn’t produced, with 17 goals and 17 assists at the NHL level. Maybe a change of scenery is exactly what Robertson needs, and that is what he thinks too.
What Is the Vision for the Leafs from the Managements’ Eyes
In filtering through rumours, Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving is tasked with finding players that will fit into their salary structure. Also, there is only so much to go around. Max Domi just inked a four-year deal, with a $3.75 million average annual value. Later in the same day Domi signed his extension, the newly acquired defenceman Chris Tanev made a $5 million a year dent in the Leafs cap. Therefore, even if the Leafs didn’t have the money for Tyler Bertuzzi, it seems they had other priorities. In any case, for both parties equally, Leafs organization and the player Robertson, getting this resolved would be nice. The Leafs management wouldn’t want to give up a prospect of Robertson’s pedigree without some return. They know he is valuable as an asset, yet don’t want to play him it seems.
Main photo credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
