Insider reveals which way Nick Robertson is leaning after his trade request with the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Robertson remains unsigned as training camp nears, but could be poised for a huge role if the Maple Leafs can convince him to sign a contract.
Robertson requested a trade in late June in the hopes of getting a better opportunity elsewhere. Leafs GM Brad Treliving doesn't appear to be interested in trading the 22-year-old, however, given the opportunity that is available to the 2019 second-round draft pick under a new coach and less depth on the wing.
On TSN's 'First Up' this morning, trusted NHL Insider Chris Johnston provided an update on the situation while touching on the Leafs' reported interest in adding some depth on the left wing.
"The Leafs are still working through what happens with Nick Robertson. There's a pretty clear path for him to be part of the mix at left wing to potentially have a role that exceeds what he has had in the past, but at this stage Robertson doesn't seem inclined to sign in Toronto and is sticking to the idea that he would like to play somewhere else... I think that is the first thing that needs to be sorted out.
There is definitely a path for him to have a bigger role. It makes the most sense for the Leafs to keep him, but that requires Nick to sign a contract and come to camp. Maybe they make a side deal like 'sign this deal and if its not working at a certain point, we'll move you."
There is definitely a path for him to have a bigger role. It makes the most sense for the Leafs to keep him, but that requires Nick to sign a contract and come to camp. Maybe they make a side deal like 'sign this deal and if its not working at a certain point, we'll move you."
A restricted free agent, Robertson doesn't have a lot of options. As Johnston noted, teams are not lining up to offer him an exorbitant amount of money. Additionally, Johnston noted that Robertson is no longer waiver exempt so he wouldn't have to deal with the yo-yoing he has gone through the past couple of seasons.
With a clear opening at left wing, Robertson could conceivably land the role he's been waiting for within the Leafs' offense after coming off of a career-best season that saw him pot 14 goals and 27 points in 56 regular season games.
Source: Hockey Reference Nick Robertson Stats
| POLL | ||
AOUT 27 | 853 ANSWERS Insider reveals which way Nick Robertson is leaning after his trade request with the Maple Leafs Will Robertson hold out until he is traded? | ||
| Yes | 621 | 72.8 % |
| No | 232 | 27.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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