Will the Maple Leafs finally trade Nicholas Robertson? – Hockey Writer – Toronto Maple Leafs
Nick Robertson’s name is once again popping up in NHL trade rumors as Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson seeks a bigger role and more opportunities. According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Robertson and his agent are open to trade discussions.
All the while, Dreger noted that Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has had conversations with a number of clubs that might be interested.
Dreger noted:
That’s true, but it’s still early days. I mean, it feels like we have to prove it with everything we say. The 24-year-old finds himself once again in a very familiar position with the Toronto Maple Leafs, looking for a bigger role and opportunity in the National Hockey League. He played in 160 NHL games. I know Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has recently had conversations with clubs that may be interested in Nick Robertson. This is a tough situation for Robertson given the depth the Maple Leafs have. So maybe it’s time to give him a fresh start somewhere else.
Is the Nicholas Robertson trade finally here?
This isn’t the first time Robertson’s name has come up in trade discussions, and it won’t be the last. However, for whatever reason, every time his name came up, he either stayed with the team or signed a new contract with Toronto.
This season, it feels a little different.
While Robertson has shown top-six potential and offensive skills, he has struggled to get consistent ice time in Toronto. Now, with so many forwards on the roster and the Maple Leafs potentially looking to upgrade or move a body, a trade for Robertson makes more sense than ever.
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If he doesn’t end up in the bottom six and stay healthy (which he doesn’t like), he quietly complains about his place on the team. This has been going on for years, but the Maple Leafs often felt like giving up on him in trades they lost wasn’t worth the risk.
Easton Cowan and others ready
Meanwhile, rookie Easton Cowan has impressed on the top line early in the season, performing well in the two games he has played. He quickly earned praise for his work ethic and energy, something Robertson had not experienced during his tenure in Toronto. Cowan’s emergence is notable and will only push Robertson further down the depth chart.
The Maple Leafs learned they didn’t need to keep Robertson as a “just in case” forward. They quickly learned that Cowan was ready to take on a larger role, which gave the team some confidence and ultimately transitioned from an open player to a change of scenery.
Robertson has one assist in four games and isn’t a wasted asset if the Leafs can get something for him. This may not be what they originally wanted in previous trade discussions, but that may no longer matter.
At some point, the Maple Leafs are going to start looking like the bad guys here. The best move as an organization might be to drop the bait and let the player find a role on another team that gives him a chance to do what he thinks he’s capable of doing.
