Mitch Marner's shocking trade shakes Leafs Nation as Nick Robertson trade buzz grows louder
The Toronto Maple Leafs' offseason has taken a turbulent turn, with the franchise still reeling from another early playoff exit. But it's not just the loss to the Florida Panthers that has fans restless — it's the massive shake-up that followed.
Mitch Marner, one of the team's cornerstone stars, is no longer wearing blue and white. His sign-and-trade to the Vegas Golden Knights — where he inked an 8-year, $96 million deal — sent shockwaves through Leafs Nation.
Nick Robertson emerges as trade rumor target amid identity crisis
While the Leafs received Nicolas Roy in return, his bottom-six forward role is no match for the offensive engine that was Marner. With 102 points last season and 741 over his nine-year career in Toronto, replacing him isn't just hard — it's nearly impossible.
'Mitch Marner was far more than a point scorer… he carried the team's offensive burden night after night,' the article states.
— undefined (@undefined)
As the team begins to recalibrate, another name is surfacing — Nick Robertson. A recent episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast lit up speculation when insider Elliotte Friedman said: 'I had a couple people ask me about the possibility of Nick Robertson and Pittsburgh; Kyle Dubas knows him…'
Dubas, now at the helm in Pittsburgh, drafted Robertson in 2019 and may see untapped potential in the 24-year-old winger.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Susan Boyle Is Now so Thin and Looks Beautiful!
5minstory.com
Undo
Robertson has battled through injuries but showed glimpses of promise, posting 27 points in 56 games in 2023–24 and returning healthy last season.
With his recent one-year, $1.2 million deal, the Leafs seem to be keeping doors open. But the bigger question is: are they investing in his growth, or simply boosting his trade value?
Can Robertson fill the Marner-sized hole — or is he being set up to fail?
While Robertson lacks Marner's pedigree, his cost-effective contract and improving form make him an intriguing piece. Whether the Leafs see him as a long-term asset or a short-term solution remains unclear.
Also Read:
Carter Hart's NHL future in limbo as Elliotte Friedman blasts return rumors post-Hockey Canada verdict
In a cap-crunched, expectation-heavy city like Toronto, hope is never cheap — and patience, even less so.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Pretty dumb': Fans revolt as NHL turns its ‘heritage' Stadium Series into a Florida marketing stunt
NHL's decision to host outdoor games in Florida as part of the 2026 Stadium Series has sparked skepticism among fans (Getty Images) The NHL 's bold push into non-traditional markets continues to raise eyebrows, especially with the recent announcement confirming two outdoor games in Florida as part of the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series. While the league celebrates expansion and spectacle, fans are far from universally thrilled. NHL fans skeptical of outdoor hockey in Florida 's heat The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium on February 1, 2026 — marking the first-ever outdoor NHL game in a football stadium in Florida. A month earlier, the Florida Panthers will square off against the New York Rangers at loanDepot Park in Miami. On paper, it's a celebration of hockey's growing presence in the Sunshine State. But fans aren't exactly buying the hype. The weather is the biggest concern. February temperatures in Florida often hover in the high 60s or even low 70s, leading many to question whether the ice can hold up in such conditions. As one fan bluntly put it, 'It seems pretty dumb to play outdoor hockey games in Florida.' Others raised doubts about player safety and game quality, asking whether the NHL is sacrificing substance for spectacle. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 22 Illustrations of a Husband and Wife in Everyday Life Watch More Undo Still, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stood by the decision. 'Stanley Cups, strings of sellouts, and the exponential growth of youth and high school hockey throughout the state have demonstrated that Florida is a hockey hotbed,' Bettman said. 'Never let it be said that our League isn't willing to accept a challenge.' Logo controversy adds fuel to the fire NHL's decision to host outdoor games in Florida as part of the 2026 Stadium Series has sparked skepticism among fans (SS via Twitter) Along with the game announcements, the NHL unveiled the official logo for the 2026 Stadium Series — featuring a pirate ship with orange and blue accents. Some fans were unimpressed, with @BosSportsBros sarcastically commenting, 'Seems pretty dumb to play outdoor hockey games in Florida.' Another user @OgBardownski wrote, 'When will the NHL learn that no one wants to watch the islanders.'Another user @2MINIHULK wrote, 'NHL refusing to give the Sharks any PR, per usual'. Also Read: Mitch Marner's shocking trade shakes Leafs Nation as Nick Robertson trade buzz grows louder Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — outdoor hockey in Florida is a bold move that's drawing heat long before the puck drops. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Eyeing Reunion Between 5x NBA Champion and LeBron James to Improve Title Odds
Lebron James and Bronny James (Image via Getty) The Los Angeles Lakers may be on the verge of reuniting LeBron James with his former championship-winning teammate Kevin Love . According to Rob Murrows of OOS Sports, Love is reportedly seeking a buyout from the Utah Jazz and could join the Lakers ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. Los Angeles Lakers' Offseason So Far The Los Angeles Lakers ' free agency has unfolded almost exactly as planned. With limited cap space and assets, they secured three impactful signings: • DeAndre Ayton – addressing the need for interior presence and rebounding • Jake LaRavia – adding shooting depth • Marcus Smart – bolstering perimeter defense and veteran leadership Kevin Love (Image via USA TODAY Sports) These moves collectively filled Los Angeles' needs for size, shooting, and defense. However, General Manager Rob Pelinka has made it clear he is still exploring roster upgrades. Kevin Love to Los Angeles Lakers: Why There is So Much Speculation Murrows reported, 'One storyline gaining significant momentum is the potential buyout of veteran forward Kevin Love from the Utah Jazz and his subsequent signing with the Los Angeles Lakers…speculation is mounting that the five-time All-Star could reunite with his former championship teammate LeBron James in a move that could bolster the Lakers' roster with veteran leadership and playoff experience.' Love, standing 6-foot-10, is in the final year of a two-year, $8 million contract. He is reportedly looking for a buyout to join a contender in a major market, with Los Angeles emerging as the leading destination. Why Kevin Love Makes Sense for the Los Angeles Lakers A Kevin Love signing would give the Los Angeles Lakers: • Their third buyout signing this offseason • Another veteran with championship pedigree • Versatile frontcourt depth with a proven stretch big While his role in Utah was limited, his skill set remains valuable for a contender. Kevin Love's 2024-25 Performance with the Jazz Season Minutes Per Game Points Rebounds 2024-25 ~10 5.3 4.1 Despite playing limited minutes, Love's basketball IQ, floor spacing, and ability to play both forward and center could provide valuable support off the bench for Los Angeles. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Links With $27.5 Million Indiana Pacers Lottery Pick in Blockbuster 3-Way Deal; Gabe Vincent Key Trade Asset? If the buyout goes through, Love could slot into backup center minutes while spacing the floor for LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His playoff experience and veteran presence would be a significant boost for a Lakers team aiming to contend in the stacked Western Conference. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Justin Tucker's replacement: Tyler Loop's flawless kicking at Ravens training camp sparks belief he's ready to replace the kicker
Tyler Loop is impressing at Baltimore Ravens training camp (Image via AP) Baltimore Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loop is turning heads after a flawless 7-for-7 showing at training camp, capped by a jaw-dropping 60-yarder. With Justin Tucker out amid controversy, Loop's consistency and swagger are making waves—leaving fans and coaches wondering if the Ravens have already found their next special teams star. Rookie kicker wows fans and coaches with perfect streak, including 60-yard bomb in front of thousands The Baltimore Ravens may have found their next great kicker in rookie Tyler Loop, whose training camp performance has quickly turned heads—and possibly secured him the starting role. In an open practice attended by thousands of fans, Loop went 7-for-7 on field goals, nailing attempts from distances of 28 to 55 yards, before finishing with an electric 60-yarder that sent fans and teammates into a frenzy. 'The second it left my foot, I'm like, 'There we go,'' Loop told ESPN, reliving the highlight moment where he celebrated by twirling his finger in the air—a confident move that summed up his rising momentum in camp. Stepping into big shoes after Justin Tucker's controversial exit Loop's rapid rise comes during a transitional moment for the Ravens. The team released Justin Tucker—widely regarded as the most accurate kicker in NFL history—in May following multiple allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct. With veteran John Hoyland also waived last week, Loop is now the lone kicker on the roster. The Ravens selected the 24-year-old in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft after evaluating over 30 prospects nationwide. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like It's Genius for Learning Languages [See Why] Talkpal AI Undo Head coach John Harbaugh praised Loop's reliability, revealing that he has hit 51 of 55 kicks in team drills. 'He's kicking well enough to win the job,' Harbaugh said. 'But as we know, it's going to be the [preseason] games that's going to mean the most.' Still, his near-perfect practice under the stadium lights earned him an 'A++' from Harbaugh—clearly signaling that Loop is more than just a placeholder. Confidence and chemistry could define the future of Baltimore's special teams What's most impressive isn't just Loop's leg—it's his mindset. Ravens punter Jordan Stout, who also serves as Loop's holder, shared that their system measured the 60-yard field goal as potentially good from 67 yards. 'He's a pretty confident guy in the first place,' Stout said. 'It may not change anything. He's confident enough now, in the best way possible.' Also Read: How to watch Hard Knocks: Date, time, where to watch and everything you need to know about the must-watch NFL series premiere If Loop's confidence holds in preseason action, Baltimore may have already locked down its kicker for the foreseeable future. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
