Top NHL Insider Reveals Why Nick Robertson May Be Safe with the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire | Imagn images
Many have questioned Nick Robertson's future with the Maple Leafs due, but one insider revealed why he shouldn't be worried about being shipped out of town.
On Saturday, we saw the Maple Leafs and Nick Robertson agree to terms on a one-year deal to avoid salary arbitration.
Despite his new deal, questions surrounding his future with the Maple Leafs immediately began to surface.
There were some that believed he would be dealt almost instantly after he had a contract, as teams would have cost certainty heading into the season - but so far, that does not appear to be the case.
Maple Leafs Set to Hold Onto Nick Robertson For One Reason
Leafs GM Brad Treliving has stuck to his plan of spreading the wealth around his forward group in the absence of Mitch Marner, and while the added depth is a luxury the Leafs had not been able to afford in years, it also makes Robertson's goal of making the opening night roster a lot more difficult.
According to The Athletic's Chris Johnston, however, the Leafs are not yet interested in moving the 23-year-old.
"They've been reluctant to part with Robertson because of his age-related upside and ability to put the puck in the net," wrote Johnston. "Just 19 players from the 2019 NHL Draft have scored more career NHL goals than the 53rd pick. And Robertson has done that while receiving depth minutes at 5-on-5 and limited power-play usage."
Skating in a career-high 69 games last season, Robertson managed 15 goals and was second in goals-per-60 at 5-on-5 on the team, trailing only Auston Matthews.
Considering the massive discrepancy in ice-time, Robertson made the most of his opportunities. Without Marner, the Leafs need to have everyone chip in offensively this season and Robertson could be a prime candidate to take a step forward if he is able to contribute on a more consistent basis.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
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