Insider suggests that the Leafs could be pondering another trade involving a top prospect
After an unspectacular pre-season, Nicholas Robertson found himself on the a short list of players being loaned to the Toronto Marlies earlier today. With the Toronto Maple Leafs trying to become cap compliant, Robertson had an opportunity to stake his claim to a roster spot but provided an underwhelming training camp.
In 5 pre-season games, Robertson scored 1 goal, racked up 4 PIMs, and fired 18 shots on goal - 17 of which came in his first 3 games. His ice-time remained consistently between the 15-17 minute range, except for his penultimate game where he saw 10:13 TOI.
The former 2nd round pick from the 2019 NHL Entry Draft has battled a myriad of injuries over the course of his young career as he has only suited up for 31 NHL games in parts of 3 seasons. Once again unable to crack the opening night roster, Elliotte Friedman talked this week about how he wonders if this is the end of the road for the 22-year-old in Toronto:
"The one thing I wonder about here is Robertson. If he doesn't make the team, I'm wondering if they're just going to have to find somewhere else to give him a fresh start, because I think Gregor is gonna get signed." - Friedman on Robertson
Back in June, Friedman alluded to the fact that the Philadelphia Flyers have had interest in Robertson in the past, despite the injury history. The Flyers were looking to unload certain players in the summer - which they did - so it remains to be seen if they're still a viable destination or trade partner. Daniel Briere is looking to accumulate as many prospects and young players as possible for his rebuild, so a trade could still be in the works - depending on the asking price, of course.
On the flip side, it is great news for Noah Gregor, who has been somewhat of a surprise after being signed to a PTO late in the summer. He provides specific intangibles that the team was lacking in, he comes in at a cost-effective price, and can fill a void in the bottom-6. Robertson has already done well in the AHL - 22 goals and 46 points in 51 games - so the Leafs know what they have with him down there. Sending him down now might just be to bide some time to negotiate a trade.
A change of scenery might be on the horizon for Robertson and might be what's best for both parties as he still carries some value and the Leafs may be able to get a pick or a decent prospect in return.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 9 | 215 ANSWERS Insider suggests that the Leafs could be pondering another trade involving a top prospect Will the Maple Leafs trade Nick Robertson after he failed to make the cut in training camp? | ||
| Yes | 153 | 71.2 % |
| No | 62 | 28.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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