Maple Leafs Very Likely to Trade Young Forward This Summer

Despite receiving praise about the growth of his game, from head coach Craig Berube, Nicholas Robertson found himself scratched for 10 of the Maple Leafs' 13 playoff games.

The former second-round pick did skate in a career-high 69 games this past season, tallying 15 goals and 22 points, but when push came to shove, he often found himself in the press box when Berube made lineup changes and the Leafs were completely healthy.

Robertson was in the same situation at the end of last season, which prompted a trade request just days before free agency opened.

Eventually, Robertson signed a 1-year deal with the Leafs and walked back his comments at the trade deadline despite more rumours.

As the off-season is now in full swing, Robertson will now have arbitration rights when his contract officially expires June 30th. The Maple Leafs are expected to tender a qualifying offer to the 23-year-old, but some expect Robertson to be awarded between $1.5M and $2M in arbitration, if he elects to go that route.

The Athletic's James Mirtle believes Robertson will be dealt before he can even contemplate making another trade request.

Robertson has shown in spurts that he can contribute offensively, but the lack of consistency on both sides of the puck continues to hinder his ability to stick in the lineup full-time, and with the Leafs looking to get bigger up front, the 5'9 winger is a likely candidate to be used as a piece to help facilitate some of that change.