Maple Leafs Reportedly Make Decision on Nicholas Robertson Trade Talks

According to Pagnotta, the Leafs have decided not to move Robertson for as long as they fail to find someone willing to give them a reasonable package in exchange for their winger.

“They can give him away [and] someone will take him,” Pagnotta said. “But [Maple Leafs general manager] Brad Treliving has said that there’s a price.

“Unless that price is lowered, he’s gonna stick around.”

That comment follows reports from TSN’s Darren Dreger and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman confirming Toronto has spoken with other clubs about moving Robertson.

Both reporters noted the player’s ongoing search for a larger NHL role and the Leafs’ current logjam at forward.

“I think Nick Robertson in Toronto, that’s [a thing] that I think the Maple Leafs are trying to solve,” Friedman said about Robertson's future with the Leafs. “I think people kind of recognize it’s time.”

Robertson, meanwhile, addressed the trade rumors after Friday's practice last week, saying he wasn’t paying much attention to the noise surrounding him.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t even follow that stuff,” Robertson said. “I just take it day by day. You know, in this business, anything can happen.”

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets are among the teams believed to have shown interest, according to The Athletic. Both clubs have reportedly checked in, though no serious progress has been reported for now.

The Leafs drafted Robertson with the No. 53 pick in 2019, and throughout 163 regular-season games, he has scored 32 goals and assisted on 25 for 57 total points.

Robertson has registered one assist through seven games this season while averaging just over 11 minutes per night.