Why the Maple Leafs shouldn’t trade Nick Robertson

Changes are brewing around this underperforming Toronto Maple Leafs team, but GM Brad Treliving would be wise to not include forward Nick Robertson in trade talks.

Robertson underwent a roller-coaster start to his NHL career, but one thing that he’s shown time and time again is the fact he’s coachable, and he works extremely hard. In this regard, he’s a master of his craft. He’s managed to elevate his game the past year or so, after Berube challenged him to be more physical, with and without the puck, and become a more well-rounded winger, as opposed to being just a shooter. Berube recently rewarded Robertson with some games in the top six, and the return on investment is becoming more clear each game.

Robertson posted 11 points through his first 21 games this season. He’s averaging a career high 13:19 of ice-time per game, and is on pace to shatter his career best totals in just about every major category. At just 24 years old, and one of the Leafs’ inexpensive forwards at just $1.8 million AAV, along with the fact he’s a pending restricted free agent under team control, there’s a lot to like about Robertson as a Maple Leaf.

The hardest thing to do in the NHL is score goals, and Robertson has a natural ability to shoot the puck passed the goalie. Behind Auston Matthews, he has the most lethal shot on the team, and what could really benefit Robertson long term is playing with the same centre, who’s going to know exactly where Robertson likes to hang out in the offensive zone. Often times he’s posting up for one-timers, or finding open areas of the ice, and because the lines have been thrown in a blender multiple times this season, the lack of chemistry, or familiarity has hurt the Leafs, and specifically, Robertson.

The shifty winger has versatility to play either wing position, which is another reason he’s a valuable piece for the Maple Leafs to hold onto. Add in he’s one of the fastest forwards on a team that lacks speed, and Robertson brings a lot of intangibles to Toronto’s lineup. Treliving’s been searching for the right mix of speed, skill, tenacity, physicality, and attention to details on the defensive side of the puck, and so far, through the quarter mark of the season, it’s becoming obvious this isn’t the right mix up front for the Maple Leafs. Yes, injuries have played a major part, so it will be interesting to see how the lineup is constructed once everyone is healthy, which hopefully, it’s relatively soon. Even when Matthews, Matthew Knies, and Nicolas Roy return to the Leafs’ lineup, Robertson should be a lock for the top six.

Consistency is going to be the key, if Robertson wants to be a mainstay in Toronto. Considering his age, his skillset, and his willingness to be coachable and make adjustments, the Maple Leafs need to continue to give Robertson every oppourtunity to succeed. These regular minutes are going to do wonders for his confidence, which will result in consistent production on the scoresheet. So long are the ‘scratch and score’ days, and every game, Robertson’s name should be a staple in Toronto’s top three lines.

Robertson’s hovering around a 45-point pace so far this season. With this being his first ‘full season’ in the league if Berube continues to give him ice time, that’s a wonderful return on investment for a $1.8 million cap hit. While trade talks have picked up in a major way around the Leafs, Treliving needs to keep Robertson in Toronto, and try and find a taker for Matias Maccelli, Max Domi, or Bobby McMann.

Robertson better not get traded, or else it could turn into another one of the organization’s moves we all look at down the road and wonder what the GM was thinking. Alex Steen, Mason Marchment, Carter Verhaeghe, Nazem Kadri, all forwards who were traded way too early into their Leafs’ careers and excelled outside of Toronto. Let’s hope Robertson isn’t added to this list.