Leafs gifted with a good blueprint for a potential Nick Robertson trade
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
A recent trade pulled off by ex-Leafs GM Kyle Dubas has provided the Maple Leafs with a good blueprint for what an acceptable Nick Robertson trade might look like.
After back-to-back summers filled with trade rumours for Leafs winger Nick Robertson, the team opted to bring him back in both 2024 and 2025 on 1-year deals.
Robertson had previously submitted a formal trade request prior to being re-signed in 2024, which brought into question his desire to remain in Toronto. However, when the 5'9 forward received a fresh slate under new Leafs coach Craig Berube, his request was rescinded, his faith in the organization renewed.
This past summer, Robertson avoided salary arbitration with the Leafs when he accepted a 1-year deal worth just shy of $2M, a vast improvement on the $875,000 he had earned just 1 year prior.
Given the season he's having this year, yet another big salary jump should be expected ahead of 2026-27 -- that's if the team and the California native wish to continue their partnership beyond this season.
Kyle Dubas provides the Maple Leafs and new GM Brad Treliving with the perfect blueprint for a Nick Robertson trade
This week, the Columbus Blue Jackets swung a deal with Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins to send former 1st round pick Yegor Chinakhov to the Pens. The cost was Danton Heinen, a 2nd round pick and a 3rd round pick.
Following the deal, The Leafs Nation's Nick Alberga asked an important question, which was that if the Leafs are offered something similar for Nick Robertson, would they take it?
Robertson productive for the Leafs this season
Robertson is on pace for 42 points over a full 82-game season, which is very solid production from a middle six forward who has taken shifts both on the top line and on the 4th line at times this season.
Is it enough, though, that the Leafs would want to pay him the $4M+ that he'll almost certainly be seeking this summer?
If the Leafs were offered a serviceable NHL player, a 2nd round pick and a 3rd round pick in exchange for Robertson, given the team's lack of draft capital, you have to believe that Leafs GM Brad Treliving would give the deal some strong consideration.
Robertson, a former 2nd round pick himself, has been a useful piece for the Leafs this season, but the assets the Leafs might receive for him could be extremely beneficial in the longer run -- especially if there's a potential rebuild on the horizon and the risk of Robertson not far away from free agency.
Robertson, now 24, is set to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights on July 1st.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 1 | 710 ANSWERS Leafs gifted with a good blueprint for a potential Nick Robertson trade Do you think the Leafs would accept a roster player, a 2nd round pick and a 3rd round pick in exchange for Nick Robertson? | ||
| Yes | 528 | 74.4 % |
| No | 182 | 25.6 % |
| List of polls | ||