Three Teams Floated as Trade Fits for Maple Leafs’ Nicholas Robertson

Three Destinations Make Sense for Nicholas Robertson

Robertson, despite his offensive upside, still projects as a bottom-six winger in Toronto’s current depth chart and might find himself on the outside of the lineup looking in.

Sports Illustrated’s Jacob Punturi suggested three potential landing spots for the Leafs winger in case Toronto truly entertains trading the young forward: the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and Pittsburgh Penguins all made the list.

For Chicago, the timing could align and benefit all parties involved. "The pipeline remains strong, but a bit more immediate help could quicken up the rebuild," Punturi wrote.

The Blackhawks drafted Connor Bedard to be the face of its future and could start to seek complementary pieces to accelerate the rebuilding process, with Robertson poised to provide more immediate scoring help while other prospects continue developing.

Detroit, meanwhile, is attempting to return to the postseason under general manager Steve Yzerman, with the Red Wings having missed the playoffs since their last appearance in 2016.

Robertson’s scoring touch could offer depth in an Atlantic Division that usually requires big offensive numbers to compete for a good seeding in it.

Finally, Pittsburgh may represent the most logical destination because of general manager Kyle Dubas' past with Toronto and Robertson.

"This is the obvious one, the organization that makes too much sense for Robertson to end up with," Punturi wrote.

Dubas drafted Robertson while he was at the helm of the Maple Leafs organization, and the Penguins have the cap space to make the move.

Uncertainty Surrounds Nicholas Robertson’s Future in Toronto

Robertson, 23, is coming off appearing in a career-high 69 games, posting 15 goals and seven assists. In 156 career games, he has totaled 56 points.

While Robertson's production has grown over the years, Toronto’s roster shuffle could leave him on the outside, and the slow pace he's developed at has had him on the verge of leaving the franchise before.

The speculation surrounding Robertson started a year ago, when the winger only signed a one-year extension right before the regular season after requesting a trade earlier in the summer.

This year, even with a fresh extension inked, it might be time for Robertson and the Leafs to split ways.