As the 2024 NHL offseason kicked off, TSN’s Chris Johnston reported Nick Robertson doesn’t intend to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer and prefers to be traded. From all accounts Robertson’s feelings haven’t changed and approaching just one month away from training camp, he’s still on Toronto’s roster as a restricted free agent without a contract.
Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving needs to take care of business before the team reports for training camp, limit the distractions for new head coach Craig Berube and ensure he gets a comparable return for the disgruntled Robertson.
One of the problems with a trade request is the fact it takes away a ton of leverage for Treliving. 31 other general managers know Robertson doesn’t want to be in Toronto and will be trying to pry him out of town, without giving up a huge return. Treliving on the other hand, can’t miss with this trade. The Maple Leafs are thin at left wing, even with Easton Cowan potentially in the picture and if Robertson gets dealt, and they aren’t landing a top-nine forward who is versatile to move around the lineup, it should be considered a loss for Treliving, even though his hands are tied with Robertson’s demands.
Treliving made it clear he knows Robertson wants out but the team feels the player has a giant opportunity in front of him for next season. The Maple Leafs have $1.2 million in cap space in hopes Robertson has a change of heart. While Treliving is savvy for keeping the money available in case, after everything that’s gone on for Robertson since being selected in the second round at the 2019 NHL Draft, you can’t blame the 22-year-old for wanting a change of scenery.
Robertson’s been through the ringer since becoming a Maple Leaf. He’s been the casualty of a numbers game most of his NHL career, he’s butted heads with former head coach Sheldon Keefe and he’s come out in the media and admitted he doesn’t care that he’s not the same top prospect he once was. Not to mention, he’s had loads of doubters and critics about his size and ability to handle the physicality of the NHL. 87 career games since 2020-21, perhaps it’s warranted?
Treliving hasn’t been in Toronto as long as Robertson has, or been there for all the adversity he’s had to go through including some serious injuries. While the Maple Leafs GM thinks Robertson could play a big role for his team, if Robertson doesn’t want to be a Maple Leaf, don’t force him to be.
Move on, make a trade, get back a proven NHL talent who can step into Toronto’s lineup and grant Robertson his wish. The Maple Leafs have enough distractions or adversity that pops up throughout the course of an NHL regular season, Treliving should try to avoid 2024-25 starting with this order of business hovering over the team.
