Nick Robertson Trade Talk Heating Up in Toronto as Trade Deadline Approaches
Rumoured to be on the move all season, Nicholas Robertson has found his way onto a number of trade boards as the Leafs look to add depth down the middle.
A former second-round pick, Robertson requested a trade for a change of scenery in June, but ultimately re-signed with the Leafs ahead of training camp to avoid missing time.
After failing to score until November 30th against Tampa Bay, Robertson went on to score four goals in seven games, but has once again found himself in a slump scoring just twice in his last 11 games.
Despite his lack of production, Robertson found himself ranked 24th on The Fourth Period's 'Trade Bait' board with connections to the Seattle Kraken and Dallas Stars.
Just a week later, Robertson has rocketed up TSN's 'Trade Bait' board to number 11, thanks to the Leafs increasing their efforts to land a center with the trade deadline creeping closer.
The 23-year-old, has skated in 36 games already this season and will likely surpass the 56 games he played last season, but has yet to get much of an opportunity in the top-six. Often passed over for Bobby McMann or Max Pacioretty, Robertson continues to play limited minutes, averaging slightly more than 12 minutes per game under Craig Berube.
With veteran utility forward Calle Jarnkrok expected to return at some point this season, Robertson may be pushed farther down the depth chart and ultimately out of Toronto if Brad Treliving finds the right deal.
How the Leafs deploy Robertson over the weeks leading up to the trade deadline may indicate whether he will be traded or not. If he sees more opportunity in the top-six, it is likely more about showcasing him to other teams than it is giving him the chance to prove he can produce with higher quality players. If he remains on the third line, however, it would come as more of a surprise to see him dealt, but rather kept as a depth player for their upcoming playoff run.
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