Insider pours cold water on trade rumours surrounding Leafs prospect
On yesterday's 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman noted that Nicholas Robertson might want a fresh start. Friedman mentioned that the Flyers had interest in Robertson in the past and that the Leafs had nearly traded for Flyers forward Scott Laughton a couple of seasons ago. Many took that as the foundation of some sort of trade between the two teams, but according to TSN's Chris Johnston, including Robertson in any trade right now would not yield much of a return. Simply put, he doesn't see a deal involving Robertson happening.
Robertson has played just 55 games between the Leafs and Marlies over the past 3 seasons due to a number of different injuries. In January 2021 Robertson injured his knee and was out for a month and later that year, at the start of the 2021/22 season, Robertson fractured his leg and was out from October to February.
This past season, in what was supposed to be his first full season with the Leafs, Robertson was hit a few feet from the boards by LA's Matt Roy and injured his shoulder. Ultimately, he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. Now, with all of that out of the way, Robertson is expected to be ready for training camp.
"This one I don't get," said Chris Johnston on TSN's First Up. "I understand he hasn't been able to establish himself as a full time NHL player and perhaps a fresh start would be good for him, but he hasn't been healthy enough for other teams to have a clear view of what he can be. He could be at the point where he's about to have some of his best seasons and you'd think with what the Leafs have gone through with him the last couple seasons they would want to see what they have in him. I suppose he's probably getting to that age where decisions have to be made, but his stock isn't particularly high right now. If the Leafs were smart, see what he can give you and then make a decision."
CJ's take on Robertson is the correct one. Not only does he have limited trade value right now, but with how little Brad Treliving knows about him and the other Leafs prospects, he may want to see how a healthy Robertson performs in training camp and season before making any major decision. If Robertson can stay healthy, he should have a legitimate shot at being a regular middle-six contributor for the Leafs this season. However, another significant injury likely spells the beginning of the end for him in Toronto.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 13 | 239 ANSWERS Insider pours cold water on trade rumours surrounding Leafs prospect What do you think the Leafs could get for Nick Robertson in a trade if they decided to move him right now? | ||
| A 1st round pick | 30 | 12.6 % |
| A 2nd or 3rd round pick | 148 | 61.9 % |
| A 4th round pick or a B/C prospect | 42 | 17.6 % |
| Nothing. He's toast | 19 | 7.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
