Top Leafs Prospect May Seek New Beginnings with Different Team

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Evan Doerfler
June 12, 2023 (3:00 PM)

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A New Beginning Potentially on the Horizon for Top Leafs Prospect.

Nick Robertson, one of the Toronto Maple Leafs' most highly anticipated prospects from the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, has experienced anything but a smooth transition to the NHL since his 53rd overall selection by the club.

Emerging from the Peterborough Petes in the OHL, Robertson was expected to be the next big thing in Toronto. Scoring 86 points in 46 games in his final season with the Petes, all signs pointed towards Robertson making an immediate impact on the Maple Leafs roster.

Regrettably, Robertson has been plagued by injuries, hindering his development and long-term tenure with the Leafs.

He suffered a knee injury and a fractured leg in the 2021/2022 season. After recovering, what was supposed to be his first full season with the Leafs ended prematurely when he required season-ending shoulder surgery following an unsuccessful six-week rehab stint.

Having oscillated between the Marlies, the injured reserve list, and the Maple Leafs, Robertson is expected to return to the big leagues this upcoming fall, albeit potentially not in blue and white.

On the latest edition of 32 Thoughts The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman revealed that upon his return, Robertson might be looking for a fresh start with a new team. The Philadelphia Flyers are rumoured to be a potential destination.

"One guy Philadelphia has shown some interest in before is Nick Robertson. Nick Robertson might be the kind of guy who could benefit from a fresh start. I don't know how they would feel about him now, given he has battled injuries and had some unfortunate luck in the past couple of years, but I do know he's someone they've liked in the past," Friedman stated.

Robertson Joins Long List of Uncertainties in Toronto

In the midst of this offseason's uncertainty within the Leafs camp, Robertson could be another player on the move.

Despite his value potentially being less due to his injury history and lack of proven success in the NHL, new General Manager Brad Treliving might explore his options and consider what the organization could receive in return for one of their most prized prospects.

Credit Maple Leafs Daily:
Insider reveals that one of the Leafs' top prospects may want a fresh start with another team