Nick Robertson Trade Imminent: Key Sign Hints the Winger's Days as a Maple Leaf Are Over
Nicholas Robertson could find himself out the door soon, as there's been a pattern that signals that Toronto may be tired of him and he's losing the faith of management.
This season has been a whirlwind for Nick Robertson to say the very least. From holding out on signing a contract and demanding a trade in the summer to signing a deal and exploding in the preseason to having one goal in 15 games and being a healthy scratch as Toronto tries to find some life.
But with his lack of production, and the fact the Maple Leafs can't afford to have essentially an invisible player on the ice, and one who brings so much drama: Is this the end of Nick Robertson in a Maple Leafs uniform?
There's A Pattern Developing
There is something that indicates that yes, he more than likely has played his last season as a Maple Leaf. The consistent healthy scratches and swapping of players from Alex Steeves to Pontus Holmberg and while there haven't been any big-time successes, it's odd that Robertson is always Robertson is always one of the scratches.
There's also the case in the preseason, where Robertson ended up getting superstar winger William Nylander injured with a careless play:
Toronto could just as easily take out easily take out Ryan Reaves, Connor Dewar, Holmberg, or heck, even Max Domi can rest and Robertson could play. But they refuse to give him the time, and the writing is on the wall.
However, Nick Robertson gets another shot although it's his last. As Toronto will face Edmonton on Saturday night, Robertson earns himself a spot in the lineup again, but this is the final straw.
There is no room for failure or complacency and Robertson has to step up. If he can score, he may buy himself some more time; if he costs Toronto some goals? It's game over for Robertson.
So What Happens To Nick Robertson?
Well, if Toronto has no place for him then they need to get rid of him. A trade is in order because the team has some glaring other holes they need to fill, most notably down the middle.
Nick Robertson's wild card potential should entice teams to take a chance on him at the expense of a veteran center with a year or two of control.
There are several options on the market that GM Brad Treliving could look to such as Trent Frederic or Christian Dvorak, or internal options like Fraser Minten. Robertson hasn't found his footing in Toronto but that's not to say he can't somewhere else, and he could also be feeling a bit of resentment for how he was treated and want a fresh start. Toronto could also recoup some assets by dishing Robertson as well.
If Toronto doesn't see Nick Robertson in their future, they need to cut ties and recoup some assets, and whether that includes a 3C or some draft picks and a low to mid-end prospect, it would be better than what Robertson is offering currently. Brad Treliving has a lot of work to do, but so does Robertson if he wants to secure his spot in the NHL.
| POLL | ||
Does Toronto need to cut ties and trade Nick Robertson? | ||
| Yes, he's useless | 420 | 41.5 % |
| No, he's got potential | 177 | 17.5 % |
| Only if we get a veteran center | 263 | 26 % |
| If we get a first rounder sure | 153 | 15.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
