Brad Treliving finally speaks on Nick Robertson's trade request

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Graham Montgomery
July 1, 2024 (6:26 PM)

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Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving responded to Nick Robertson's trade request today, revealing his thoughts on the matter.

It did not come as much of a surprise to many today when 22-year-old forward Nick Robertson requested a trade from the Maple Leafs. After all, his relationship with the team has been strained as he feels like he hasn't been given the opportunity he deserves up until this point.

Sources say that RFA Nick Robertson has no plans to re-sign with the #leafs this summer and has informed the team that he would like to be traded.

That being said, it sounds like Brad Treliving is banking on Robertson being with the team this season. In his response to Robertson's trade request, he noted that the young forward still has plenty of opportunity with the team this season. With the departure of Tyler Bertuzzi, there could be an opening in the team's top six.

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."

Many Leafs fans were disappointed to hear that Robertson has requested a trade. Like Treliving, they recognize that he still has a lot of skill. He looks like he has the toolset to be a regular NHL player if he's given the chance.

Disappointing to hear that Nick Robertson has requested a trade from the Leafs.
His game definitely has potential: hard shot, some speed and skill. Obviously still a ways to go to round out his game, but I am hopeful

Robertson got into 56 games with the Leafs last season and smashed his career highs, scoring 14 goals and 27 points. However, he averaged just over 11 minutes of ice time per game. This is likely part of the reason why he is so frustrated with the team. He was not an every-day player and when he did get into the lineup, he was given extremely sheltered minutes. Perhaps on another team he would get a chance to truly shine. At this point his future seems rather uncertain, so be sure to continue to follow this story to see where he plays next.