Insider reporting a major shift between Nick Robertson and the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: NHL.com
Earlier this summer, Nick Robertson had requested a trade out of Toronto, but TSN's Darren Dreger has since provided a very positive update on that relationship.
In recent years, Robertson has not exactly been given ample opportunity to prove himself under Sheldon Keefe. However, with the old bench boss now in New Jersey and a new bench boss in Craig Berube in Toronto, the Maple Leafs could have a very different look in 2024-25, and Robertson could finally be in line for a legitimate chance to prove himself and stake his claim to a top-6 roster spot.
During an appearance on TSN 1050's First Up this morning, Dreger revealed to listeners that, contrary to popular belief, he believes the Maple Leafs and Nick Robertson are going to strike a deal and that Robertson could become a key piece for the team's offense this season.
"I believe that they're going to get something done, that Nick Robertson is likely going to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs. This was a process... Robertson had his own personal reasons [to request a trade].
I know that he had a conversation with Craig Berube, the new coach of the Maple Leafs, and Berube assured him that 'Look, take a look at our left side, man.' Like, there's nothing but opportunity in this lineup with the holes that they have there and I know that Berube assured Robertson that he'd be given a chance... I think they're going to get something done."
I know that he had a conversation with Craig Berube, the new coach of the Maple Leafs, and Berube assured him that 'Look, take a look at our left side, man.' Like, there's nothing but opportunity in this lineup with the holes that they have there and I know that Berube assured Robertson that he'd be given a chance... I think they're going to get something done."
Robertson is no longer waivers exempt, which means that if the team wanted to send him down to the Marlies, he'd have to clear waivers. This isn't something the team had to consider in the past, and his ability to pass freely between the AHL and NHL was a key reason why he wasn't afforded many opportunities. Now that he requires waivers to go down, it's far less likely that the Leafs would risk attempting to send him down.
Robertson produced 14 goals and 27 points in limited minutes last season, playing in just 56 games despite being completely healthy all year. With more opportunity and another healthy season, this could be a breakout year for the kid from Pasadena, California.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 9 | 257 ANSWERS Insider reporting a major shift between Nick Robertson and the Maple Leafs How many years will Nick Robertson extend for in Toronto? | ||
| 1 year | 144 | 56 % |
| 2 years | 75 | 29.2 % |
| 3 years | 23 | 8.9 % |
| 4 years or longer | 15 | 5.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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