Nick Robertson appears to confirm he wants nothing to do with the Maple Leafs

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Daniel Lucente
August 27, 2024 (9:43 PM)

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It appears that Nick Robertson of the Leafs hasn't changed his tune, and wants to still be traded to a different team, as per an NHL insider.

Nick Robertson, a 22-year-old restricted free agent, is coming off a promising season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he notched a career-high 27 points in just 56 games. This performance has fueled speculation that Robertson might be on the verge of a breakout season in the NHL. However, the young winger's future with the Maple Leafs is far from certain, as he has expressed a desire for a fresh start with another team for the 2024-25 season, by requesting a trade.

Earlier in the offseason, Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving confirmed that Nick Robertson had told them his intention to want to play elsewhere. This news has created a tough situation for the Leafs, who now face the challenge of either convincing Robertson to stay or finding the best possible return in a trade.

TSN's Chris Johnston has shed some light on the ongoing discussions, noting that the Leafs could offer Nick Robertson a larger role on the left wing to keep him happy and in Toronto. Despite this potential opportunity, Robertson seems determined to want to play for a different team.

From the Maple Leafs' perspective, trading Nick Robertson could have significant benefits. As one of the organization's most promising young forwards, Robertson's value on the trade market is likely huge. Any team looking to acquire him would need to pay a hefty price, as he could be one of their top players down the road.

However, the situation is urgent. The longer Brad Treliving waits to make a decision, the more likely it is that the offers for Nick Robertson could diminish in value. Additionally, there is the looming threat of offer sheets from other teams. With the Leafs facing major salary cap issues, since they have just over $1.275 million in available cap space for the 2024-25 season, according to PuckPedia, they would be reluctant to match a large offer sheet.

The next few weeks will be crucial for Nick Robertson and the Maple Leafs. As the start of the NHL season approaches, the decisions made by both sides will significantly impact their respective futures. Will Robertson find the fresh start he's seeking, or will the Leafs manage to retain their talented young forward? Stay tuned as this story continues to unfold, with potential implications not just for Robertson and the Maple Leafs, but for the fans of the game and the other NHL teams as well.

Source: Hockey Patrol
Nick Robertson has made his shocking decision on his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs

Source: Elite Prospects
Nick Robertson Stats