A Risky Gamble That Could Haunt Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs for Years To Come
There is a lot of speculation around the Maple Leafs making a trade involving Nick Robertson, and while it may seem like a short term solution, it's a big risk.
To say Nick Robertson's season has been polarizing could be the understatement of the year. After garnering fan backlash for wanting to be traded, to showcasing a brilliant form in the preseason, to being invisible for most of the regular season.
Fans, analysts, and pundits are calling for a potential Robertson trade as his inconsistency is hurting Toronto.
But if Brad Treliving were to rush getting his winger out of town, it could cost them heavily in the long run.
Nick Robertson's Departure A High-Risk Scenario
If Nick Robertson were to leave Toronto it would seemingly solve a lot of issues. Beyond the inconsistent scoring, Robertson hasn't been a sparkplug at either end of the ice.
However against Buffalo he seemed like the Robertson of old. He was aggressive, he wasn't too fancy with the puck, and he doubled his point output in one game.
There's no denying Toronto would be adding a third-line center if they were to make a move, and Robertson's potential is enticing for a number of teams around the league.
But the team has a history of acting too hastily and it costing them.
While he isn't Tuukka Rask, it does bring back some memories of Toronto giving up on a player too early before he breaks out.
The chemistry Robertson found alongside Max Domi and Bobby McMann was an unexpected but welcome change, and it was one that was sorely needed.
There's undeniable skill within the young forward and it would be hard pressed for Toronto to give up on him so easily, although their window to win is slowly closing.
Brad Treliving has done his homework on who he wants to add, and the fact Toronto doesn't have a high value pick makes things a little bit more difficult to retain Robertson as he'll have to substitute.
But if he and the rest of the bottom six start pulling their weight, maybe there's no need for a trade at all.
