Nick Robertson's Time with the Maple Leafs Coming to an End, Per Insider
Nick Robertson's placement on the third line, even with Auston Matthews' return means that his time in Toronto is over according to one Leafs insider.
It's been a rough season for Nick Robertson to say the least, and the return of injured players doesn't bode well for him keeping his spot if he doesn't keep it up. Even with Auston Matthews returning he couldn't get a spot, with Pontus Holmberg getting the chance.
Well if he's not going to get a chance, the only choice is to trade him according to Leafs insider and Real Kyper and Bourne co-host Justin Bourne.
Why Should Nick Robertson Be Traded?
According to Bourne, the addition of Holmberg on the same line as Auston Matthews as practice is odd given Toronto needs offensive chances, and if Robertson can't earn it he's got no place on the team:
His co-host Nick Kypreos asked if Robertson had the same ability to drive the lanes and get to the net like Holmberg:
Bourne agreed that Robertson doesn't do the same job as Holmberg but Matthews is going to need someone to help him out too like in the past:
These are all guys with 50-point seasons. Not saying Robertson is that, he doesn't have that track record, but you need someone with the ability to put away a play."
Robertson hasn't had a great season to say the least. Among many healthy scratches, his production even when he is playing is nearly invisible.
With only one goal so far, no assists, and consistent opportunities to play it's been difficult to justify giving Robertson even more responsibility. For his career he has 18 goals and 35 points in 105 games, and showed small glimpses of potential last season that have otherwise vanished.
Toronto could at least get some assets for Robertson and avoid letting him walk away for nothing come free agency. It would be in Brad Treliving's best interest to do what he can to get as much for Robertson while his potential is still fairly high.
FAQ: Maple Leafs Analyst Says Trade Nick Robertson
Q1: Why did Justin Bourne say to trade Nick Robertson away?
A1: Bourne mentioned that if Toronto is going to keep Robertson away from offensive opportunities even with the litany of injuries coupled with his lack of production they need to trade him to get assets back.
Q2: Why hasn't Nick Robertson performed well?
A2: It's unclear, as he's been given every opportunity and hasn't had success, even with some bad luck mixed in. He led Toronto with five preseason goals, but after a whirlwind summer where he held out for a trade that never came to fruition and he signed a 1-year extension shortly after.
In closing, Justin Bourne believes that Nick Robertson has to be traded simply because he hasn't performed well and if Toronto is going to not afford him any more opportunities, they need to trade him to get something as opposed to nothing come summer.
