Maple Leafs prepared to "draw a hard line" with Nick Robertson
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman has confirmed that the Toronto Maple Leafs are prepared to play hardball with 22-year-old Nick Robertson.
Earlier this summer, Robertson approached Leafs management with a formal trade request after years of receiving the up-and-down treatment from the organization, bouncing around between the AHL and the NHL, despite displaying some NHL-ready skills.
Robertson's shot is absolutely NHL-caliber. His work ethic is very good. His skating is decent enough that he's not lagging behind at the NHL level. The main question marks surrounding Robertson mostly relate to his size and his durability, but last year, he showed the ability to remain healthy.
It seems a bit odd that Robertson has been clamoring for an opportunity for several years and now that a roster spot is ripe for the taking in Toronto, he is just now requesting to be moved. However, on Friday's episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman claims that Robertson remains steadfast in his decision and would prefer a fresh start elsewhere. Friedman also asked a very important question about Robertson.
Friedman also revealed that the Maple Leafs are not about to be pushed around by a 22-year-old, oft-injured prospect, confirming that the Leafs are ready to dig their heels in and make Robertson sit if they have to.
Ultimately, it's going to be up to Robertson here how this all unfolds. As Friedman pointed out, he sees a 1-year deal as the most likely outcome. If this does occur, perhaps Robertson gets his fresh slate under Craig Berube, opening the door to a longer-term solution for both sides. Either that, or Robertson's body of work entices another team to present the Leafs with an offer to their liking and they finally move off of the 2018 2nd round pick.
Source: Elliotte FriedmanOffseason Thoughts for All 32 Teams
Source: NHL.comNick Robertson player profile
| POLL | ||
6 SEPTEMBRE | 360 ANSWERS Maple Leafs prepared to "draw a hard line" with Nick Robertson Should the Maple Leafs make Nick Robertson sit out? | ||
| Yes | 271 | 75.3 % |
| No | 89 | 24.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
