Maple Leafs Encouraged to Reevaluate Forward Before Trade
The Toronto Maple Leafs face a tricky offseason situation with forward Nicholas Robertson, who has expressed his intention not to re-sign with the team. Despite this, Leafs Morning Take host and director Nick Alberga suggests the team should consider giving Robertson another chance, especially with new head coach Craig Berube.
Leafs GM Brad Treliving on Robertson:
"Obviously, I have known that there was some frustration with Nick, but we look at Nick as an excellent player. There’s great opportunity for Nick here. We need him to be a good player for us." https://t.co/RErR9VUQqa
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) July 1, 2024
Alberga stated in The Leafs Nation on July 9, “Just because Nick Robertson has requested a trade, it doesn’t mean the Leafs should feel pressured to act. Keeping the 22-year-old winger might be the best move right now. There’s no need to rush into a trade. They might be searching for a player like Robertson in the market, so why not reassess his role later?”
Leafs GM Brad Treliving acknowledged Robertson’s frustrations but emphasized his value to the team, noting the opportunity for him to excel with the Maple Leafs.
Robertson’s trade request was first reported by NHL insider Chris Johnston on June 30. Treliving confirmed Robertson’s frustrations after the first day of free agency on July 1. The Leafs extended a qualifying offer to Robertson, making him a restricted free agent as his entry-level contract expired.
Robertson’s Challenges in Toronto
Drafted 53rd overall in the 2019 NHL draft, Robertson has played 87 regular-season games since the 2020-21 season, scoring 17 goals and 17 assists, with one point in 10 postseason games. Last season, he played a career-high 56 games, scoring 14 goals and 13 assists, but struggled in the playoffs with no points in six games.
In an interview with Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, Robertson indicated uncertainty about his future in Toronto and highlighted his lack of playing time as a key issue. He averaged a career-high 11:22 minutes per game in the 2023-24 season but still desires more ice time.
Alberga pointed out that with Craig Berube now coaching, Robertson might have a better chance to secure a significant role in the top-six lineup.
Leafs’ Offseason Needs
The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel identified the need for better third- and fourth-line centers as Toronto’s “biggest unaddressed need” this offseason. Alberga agreed, noting the Leafs are still looking for “help up front,” especially after Tyler Bertuzzi’s departure to Chicago.
Alberga believes that the Leafs should prioritize internal options like Robertson before seeking external solutions. However, the team is still exploring the free-agent market, with potential interest in a reunion with former Toronto forward James van Riemsdyk, who is considered the “top remaining free agent” by Daily Faceoff.
