Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Heading into this season, Toronto Maple Leafs left winger Nick Robertson had a reason to be confident.
In the pre-season, Robertson posted five goals, looking assured and intent on being a difference-maker. While he reportedly requested a trade this summer, he eventually relented and looked promising in pre-season play.
Unfortunately for the 23-year-old, that success has not translated into regular-season production. Robertson has just one assist in 11 games, and once again, he’s been a healthy scratch at times – this time, under new Leafs coach Craig Berube.
It feels time to end the experiment with Robertson in Toronto.
Once injured veterans Calle Jarnkrok and Connor Dewar return from injury, there will be a logjam at forward for the Leafs, and Buds GM Brad Treliving has to find a new home for Robertson. The Leafs should trade Robertson for whatever they can get for him – a couple of mid-tier draft picks and/or a decent prospect ought to do the trick. But keeping him withering on the vine in Leafs Land isn’t defensible. There’s no good fit for him with Toronto, and it’s readily apparent he needs to be dealt.
A telling comparison for Robertson is teammate Matthew Knies, who is one year younger. Knies has six goals and seven points in 13 games this year – but more importantly, Knies has been a physical force, using his big frame to get into corners and get out in front of his opponent’s net.
Robertson, on the other hand, gets to the fringes of the play, and that’s about it. He’s got great speed, but he’s not putting himself in a position to get dirty goals the way Knies is. And Robertson isn’t being a needle-mover, no matter what linemates Berube gives him.
🚨🎙️ Nick Robertson on being out of the lineup:
“I mean, again, I don’t know. I’m not sure if it’s a surprise or not. I just go with it. I don’t take it personally; I just have to work hard.
And again, there are other guys who aren’t playing that probably should be. It’s just… pic.twitter.com/cVkFNU4iVD
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) October 30, 2024
The Leafs have about $3 million in salary cap space at the moment, per PuckPedia. But when Jarnkrok and Dewar come off long-term injured reserve, their combined salary of $3.28 million will put them over the cap ceiling. Moving Robertson would clear his $875,000 cap hit. Waiving Robertson would almost certainly result in a team claiming him for nothing, so Treliving has to be proactive and take what he can get for Robertson on the trade market.
It’s understandable if some Leafs fans are fearful Robertson will thrive on another team, the way former Leafs have. Florida’s Carter Verhaeghe, Dallas’ Mason Marchment and Edmonton’s Zach Hyman have excelled after moving on from Toronto. But the NHL is full of those kinds of stories, and sometimes, there’s really no choice about parting ways with an asset that isn’t working out at the highest level.
On a team like, say, Colorado or the New York Islanders, Robertson would get a long look in a top-nine role, and that’s just not going to happen for him in Toronto anymore. Leafs brass has been patient with him, but patience can wear out after multiple stretches of invisible play. He’s only shown flashes of strong play in short bursts, and he won’t get a better chance to evolve into an effective NHLer in Toronto. It’s time to give him the trade he reportedly sought during the off-season.
Related: Leafs’ Horrendous Power Play Needs Major Changes, Including A Talent Swap
Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum.
News Summary:
- It's Time For The Maple Leafs And Nick Robertson To Part Ways – Here's Why
- Check all news and articles from the latest NHL updates.