Maple Leafs Coach Doesn't Commit to Nicholas Robertson's Role

The coach doubled down on those comments when asked directly about Robertson on Wednesday, whose request for a trade in July 2024 sparked speculation about his long-term future in Toronto.

“Nicky is a hard worker who puts the puck in the net. He’s definitely a part of this team and we’ll see where he fits,” Berube said. “I can’t tell you exactly where he’s going to play and I can’t tell you where a lot of guys are going to play. We’re glad he’s here.”

Robertson scored 15 goals and added seven assists in 69 games last season, though he was scratched for the most part during the playoffs, ending with just two points in three games.

Across 156 career games, Robertson has 32 goals and 24 assists, but his steady struggles to secure consistent minutes and solidify his role have him on the outside looking in of the Leafs' forward corps.

General manager Brad Treliving, however, said at the start of the offseason that the Maple Leafs organization still believes in Robertson’s upside.

“We look at Nick as an excellent player, and there’s a great opportunity for Nick here, and we need him to be a good player for us,” Treliving said.

A Crowded Path Forward for Nicholas Robertson

Toronto’s offseason moves added more challenges for Robertson. The team lost Mitch Marner but brought in Matias Maccelli, Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua, each expected to compete for bottom-six roles.

On top of those additions, veterans Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf also returned to Toronto, further tightening the roster battle in the bottom-six.

Berube acknowledged the situation bluntly, saying, “There’s jobs available, and again, it’s a competition. We’re probably a deeper team, bringing in the three guys.”