Re-sign or trade: What does the future hold for Nick Robertson?

Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson is a pending restricted free agent, and at this point, his future in Toronto is as clear as mud.

Robertson had a tough time finding regular playing time under Craig Berube, and even though his game took tremendous strides this season to become a much more well-rounded winger, it didn’t seem like it was ever enough to warrant a clear spot in the Maple Leafs’ lineup.

The 23-year-old appeared in 69 games during the regular season, scoring 15 times, while playing a career high 12 minutes per game. He’d get three more looks in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, adding two points in three games. After a couple of appearances early on against the Ottawa Senators, Max Pacioretty made his triumphant return to the Leafs’ lineup, and never looked back, which essentially pushed Robertson to the press box. With Pacioretty likely to retire, could Robertson finally have a regular spot in the Leafs top nine next season?

As far as his contract goes, Robertson could choose to re-sign with the Maple Leafs on a one-year deal and creep closer to unrestricted free agency, or, perhaps there’s an appetite for a bit of a bridge deal in which GM Brad Treliving keeps Robertson in the fold for a few more seasons, and buys into his free-agent years.

With Robertson asking for a trade before the start of the 2024-25 season, it feels like he could circle back here. It was a frustrating year for the former second-round pick. Being taken out of the lineup and not being considered the team’s best option during the playoffs are tough pills to swallow. Even if he’s still only 23, it’s not an easy transition, especially when Robertson performed very well in long stretches this season. A trade request seems like a legitimate option at this point, and if it does occur, Treliving could look to swap Robertson for a forward around the same age, who has the ability to play down the middle of the ice, perhaps even a right-handed centre, something the Maple Leafs are starving for.

Another factor in Robertson’s future is Toronto’s top prospect Easton Cowan. A very similar player as far as their frames, and speed go, with Cowan not having the release of Robertson on his wrist shot, but much more offensive instincts to be able to put up points in a hurry. Cowan’s once again tore up the OHL with the London Knights, and has led his team to the Memorial Cup. He’s going to push for top-nine minutes with the Maple Leafs as soon as next season, which could give Berube someone to replace Robertson’s spot in the lineup, with much more upside to work with.

It felt like this season Robertson did everything Berube was asking him to do, and it still wasn’t enough. Back in February, Berube spoke on Robertson’s ice-time. “He just keeps doing what he’s doing, he’s going to get more ice time,” stated the Maple Leafs’ coach.

“(He’s) got great abilities. He’s got great speed, we know that, got a real good shot. It’s just about getting on the inside more than anything. I think he’s done that lately, and he’s getting rewarded for it.”

This was only a few weeks before the trade deadline, and the noise was starting to pick up around what the future held for Robertson. He was listed on the Daily Faceoff’s trade bait board, and he was well aware of the potential of a deal then. “Chief has a different style, and I’ve adapted to it,” Robertson via Sportsnet’s Luke Fox.  “And I think it just brings the grittier, harder side of me. I think it’s brought something in me that I didn’t know I had. I want to be here, so I’m fine. Yeah, I don’t think about that stuff.”

The commitment to elevate his game is something Robertson should be applauded for, but is it going to be enough to come to terms on a new contract? An offer sheet seems unlikely at this point, even though there’s going to be several teams who have interest acquiring Robertson, to give him a chance at more playing time, which could very well lead to a 20-goal season in 2025-26. A team like the San Jose Sharks make a ton of sense as a trade partner, as the Sharks were last in the league in goals per game, and Robertson could be given a chance to flourish in his home state. The Nashville Predators are also a team to consider, and the same can be said for the Anaheim Ducks, who will look to upgrade their top-nine this summer.

For now, Robertson heads into a summer of uncertainty, with a few options on the table. Approach management again and ask for a change of scenery, sign a one-year deal to run it back with Berube for one more crack at a top-six role, or commit to developing his game under the Maple Leafs’ bench boss, and sign a multi-year deal.

The frustration certainly boiled this season. Now we wait to see if it boiled over.