Despite a contract extension, Nicholas Robertson's Maple Leafs future remains uncertain with trade rumors heating up
The Toronto Maple Leafs managed to avoid arbitration with Nick Robertson earlier this month, finalizing a one-year, $1.825 million deal. While the contract secures the young forward's services for the upcoming season, it does little to eliminate the uncertainty surrounding his role in Toronto's plans.
With salary cap pressures and a crowded forward group, Robertson's future with the Leafs remains anything but guaranteed.
Nick Robertson's future clouded by
Maple Leafs
' cap crunch
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman highlighted Toronto's roster dilemma on the '32 Thoughts' podcast, noting, 'They got the (Robertson) arbitration settled on (Aug. 2) at $1.825 million. The Maple Leafs have to clear some bodies there. They've got a lot of them.' His words echo a truth the Leafs can't avoid—depth has created an uncomfortable logjam.
For Robertson, the reality is that even after a season where he appeared in 69 games, scoring 15 goals and adding seven assists, he is still projected as a bottom-six option. With only 56 points in 156 career appearances, his production hasn't yet aligned with the hype that once surrounded him. Add in the fact that he requested a trade just last year, and speculation about a potential move isn't surprising.
Sports Illustrated's Jacob Punturi recently floated three destinations should Toronto look to move him: Chicago, Detroit, and Pittsburgh.
Each scenario paints a different opportunity for the 23-year-old winger.
Why Chicago, Detroit, or Pittsburgh make sense for Nick Robertson
Chicago could be the most intriguing landing spot. With Connor Bedard cemented as the face of the franchise, the Blackhawks are eager to accelerate their rebuild. Punturi explained, 'The pipeline remains strong, but a bit more immediate help could quicken up the rebuild.' Robertson's scoring ability could bridge the gap while Chicago's younger prospects mature.
Detroit, meanwhile, is desperate to end a nine-year playoff drought. Under Steve Yzerman, the Red Wings are inching closer, but competing in the Atlantic Division requires firepower. Robertson's offensive upside could provide exactly that, giving Detroit another weapon as they fight for relevance in a competitive conference.
Then there's Pittsburgh. With Kyle Dubas—who originally drafted Robertson in Toronto—now steering the Penguins, the connection is obvious. Punturi put it bluntly: 'This is the obvious one, the organization that makes too much sense for Robertson to end up with.' Pittsburgh's available cap space only strengthens the case.
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