Leafs Facing Major Dilemma With Nick Robertson Following His Recent Trade Request
The Toronto Maple Leafs deal with a major question over the future of Nick Robertson following his trade request from earlier this season.
Nick Robertson publicly made a demand to be traded back in the offseason as he looked for a consistent opportunity after moving between the Leafs and the AHL, appearing in just 56 games for the Leafs with 14 goals and 27 points.
Robertson had publicly made it clear that he was looking for a proper place in the Leafs lineup, or he would want out.
As the season started, Robertson had held out as a restricted free-agent, with Robertson signing a one-year extension a day before his 23rd birthday, committing to Toronto for at least the start of this season.
Now, it's more clear the future of Nick Robertson with the Toronto Maple Leafs as the trade deadline is now a week away.
New Clarity On Nick Robertson's Toronto Maple Leafs Future
Now that he's begun to establish himself in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup, it appears the trade talks are for now behind him, at least in Robertson's view.
Nick Robertson told Luke Fox of Sportsnet that while he had animosity over being a scratch last season, now a full-time NHLer, he no longer seeks a trade out of Toronto:
So, I made a decision that I want to play every single game. Like I said, back to the desperation thing, I want to be in the lineup every game.
I want to be an impactful player. And so far, it's been working. - Nick Robertson
The Toronto Maple Leafs could still deal Robertson by the March 7th deadline, but it won't be something he's pushing like he did before.
This season has been an inconsistent one for Robertson although he's shown some signs of brilliance. In 50 games this season he has 11 goals and five assists while averaging 12:05 TOI.
But now that Nick Robertson has gotten to prove himself in Toronto, he has been able to establish himself as a real NHL option, and wishes to prove he will do some long-term as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Let's hope he can prove himself a viable asset for the team come playoff time as well.
