Will Nick Robertson get traded? Latest rumours and insights

Last season, the Toronto Maple Leafs began the year with a plethora of ill-fitting right-handed defencemen. In the end, both Conor Timmins and Timothy Liljegren were dealt away, the team eventually adding Brandon Carlo to fill the void. No stranger to trade requests and rumours, Nick Robertson might now find himself in a similar predicament. 

While Robertson has continually scored while in the lineup, many have been left disappointed by his overall impact. As much as Robertson is an impactful shooter, there are many areas of his game where something is left to be desired. This is not for a lack of trying, as Robertson is relentless and ambitious, but Robertson’s size limits his game in several areas. Regardless, the relationship between the Leafs and Robertson is tenuous. 

Rumours

Robertson has produced enough that he might be of interest to other teams around the league. Already, the Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, and San Jose Sharks are rumoured destinations. Although Robertson might have limited opportunities on a contending roster like the Leafs, his upside is clearly appealing for thinner and weaker teams. Needless to say, his production would likely hit career highs on these weaker teams. 

As far as return is concerned, the Leafs should not be expecting too much. There might be an opportunity to flip Robertson for an equally disgruntled player, though this might not help the Leafs at all. The same might be said for a late-round draft pick, should the Leafs target futures. At the very least, the Leafs can open up some cap space, meaning a Robertson trade might be a precursor to a bigger move in the future.  

Lineup fit

With the Leafs’ newly formed forward structure, chock-full of centres, penalty killers, and bigger bodies, there might finally be some space for Robertson to thrive. At the very least, the Leafs should be able to entertain having a more offensive-minded presence lower in the lineup. However, Robertson is hardly the only option here. 

One of Max Domi or Matias Maccelli is expected to be on the third line with Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua. Robertson finds himself in a battle for a spot alongside Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz. Defensive-minded players like Calle Jarnkrok or David Kampf might be an option, as might Michael Pezzetta. Robertson would give the line some offensive punch, though the waiver Easton Cowan might be pushing for the spot outright. 

Cowan could easily be sent to the AHL and slow-played, meaning even an initial win for Robertson might have him looking over his shoulder all season. The Leafs waited until the season was underway before trading Liljegren and Timmins last season, and to some extent, the same rhythm might be expected were they to deal away some forwards this season. Some time as an offensive focal point in the AHL might serve Cowan well, which might give Robertson some time to prove his value to the Leafs or raise his trade value. 

Conclusion

In the end, the Leafs have time to let some things play out with Robertson. As the main concern for some is the Leafs’ offensive capabilities, Robertson might be able to provide some punch deeper in the lineup. In the long run, Robertson might be opposed to signing with the Leafs as a UFA, so at some point, a split is likely. For now, Robertson will have a chance to help the Leafs cement themselves as a team with four dangerous lines.