When the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Nick Robertson 53rd overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, expectations were tempered. At 5’9″ and 164 pounds, Robertson fit the mold of the classic undersized but highly skilled forward that then-GM Kyle Dubas was known for drafting. Many fans and analysts saw him as a long shot for NHL success, with a 50/50 chance of making the league.
However, Robertson’s trajectory took a sharp upward turn following his draft year. During the 2019-20 season, he exploded for 55 goals and 86 points in just 46 games with the Peterborough Petes in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). This performance catapulted him to the top of the Leafs’ prospect list, and fans eagerly anticipated his arrival in the NHL, envisioning him as a potential top-six forward on a league-minimum contract for the next three seasons.
Despite the high hopes, Robertson’s journey in the NHL has been far from smooth. Over the past three years, he has struggled to find a consistent role with the Maple Leafs. Injuries have plagued his young career, and he has been unable to secure a permanent spot in the team’s top-six forward group. As a result, Robertson now finds himself a restricted free agent (RFA), with his future in Toronto uncertain.
While many fans still hope to see Robertson given a fair shot in the Leafs’ lineup, his current status as an RFA makes him an attractive trade chip as the team prepares for the 2024-25 season. Despite his struggles at the NHL level, Robertson’s potential remains tantalizing. His scoring prowess in junior hockey and brief flashes of brilliance in the pros make him a highly coveted asset for teams looking to add young, talented forwards to their rosters.
The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, are in a position where they need to address other areas of their lineup to contend for the Stanley Cup. Trading Robertson could bring in valuable pieces that help the team in the short term. The Leafs’ forward depth is already strong, and moving Robertson could net them a top-four defenseman or a reliable goaltender, both of which are critical needs for the team.
In trading Robertson, the Leafs would be parting with a player who still has the potential to develop into a star. However, given his injury history and the lack of opportunity in Toronto’s current lineup, it might be the best move for both parties. A new environment could provide Robertson with the fresh start he needs to realize his potential, while the Leafs could acquire the assets necessary to push them over the top in their quest for a championship.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs face some tough decisions. Nick Robertson remains their best trade chip, and leveraging his potential could yield significant returns. While fans may wish he was given another shot in the blue and white, a trade might be the best path forward for both Robertson and the Maple Leafs.
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