TSN’s Chris Johnston reports that former second-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Nicholas Robertson, has no intentions of signing a contract with the organization this offseason and has requested a trade. Robertson will become a restricted free agent tomorrow as his entry-level contract is set to expire.
Robertson made the full-time jump to the NHL level during the 2020-21 NHL season as he suited up in six games for the Maple Leafs. He only managed one assist at the NHL level and put together a strong performance with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL as he scored 11 goals and 16 points in only 21 contests. The organization gave him another mild chance the following season with 10 games for the Maple Leafs but Robertson once again spent a large part of the season with the Marlies in a year that saw him put up 16 goals and 28 points in 28 games.
It would not be until this past season that Toronto would give Robertson a longer look with the Original Six franchise. Robertson didn’t disappoint either as he scored 14 goals and 27 points for the Maple Leafs in 56 games while only averaging around 11 and a half minutes a night.
All signs indicate that Robertson is disgruntled with the Maple Leafs organization inconsistently shuffling him back and forth from the minors to stay under the salary cap. The 22-year-old still has considerable promise at the NHL level and believes he has earned a larger role with an organization than Toronto is willing to give. Given his age and the fact he will not demand too much as an RFA, Robertson should have plenty of suitors on the trade market willing to give him an established role in the NHL.
a cheap offensive player for the Leafs wanting out. not good BT.
hope nick catches on somewhere where he can be used properly. has a great shot, good vision, but just was behind the big guns in TO and his D game isn’t up to par.
Habs would be good match, for one of there many young D…Barron or Harris for Robertson?!?!?
I’d give him a shot in Nashville.
@Gbear — Ordinarily, I chastise you for begging again. :) This time, though, I agree, wholeheartedly. He could be a solid fit, and being around F. Forsberg wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, eh? He might not have the upside of brother Jason, in Dallas, but TOR hasn’t really given him much of a shot to get there, either.
@Mac – A new era has dawned, Mac, and offence is its name, lol! :)
Kings will trade him for Kaliyev
I was definitely thinking that once I saw the headline. Makes sense for both sides.
If people are asking to bail from your organization, your organization has some systemic problems.
Or he just isn’t good enough defensively to earn regular playing time on a team with an established top 6? Players requesting trades due to a lack of playing time is common and happens on every team.
Or simply that Toronto is a deep team, doesn’t have the playing time available that Robertson wants, and isn’t likely to this coming season either. I don’t blame Robertson for wanting to go somewhere he can play, but I don’t blame Toronto for having better players in the lineup blocking his way.
Would Robertson plus a 2nd rounder be enough for McGroarty?
To Anaheim for Gibson at 50% retained.
Leafs deserve this to a degree. He should’ve gotten more playing time last few years.