Ever since Robertson had first refused to sign a new deal with the Leafs at the start of free agency, rumours have swirled around what the Toronto Maple Leafs should do. Trade him? Sign him? Let him sit out the year as punishment? Treliving has an interesting decision to make, make no mistake about it.
Now, Pittsburgh Penguins fans and pundits have entered the discussion and are speculating as well. Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now had this to say about Robertson this week.
"First, we can confirm that Dubas really likes Robertson" Kingerski said. The Dubas connection is obvious, but here's where things get more interesting -- an unlikely, though intriguing, offer sheet scenario.
"Our industry sources in Toronto believe Toronto GM Brad Treliving would match a $2.29 million offer in order to effect a better trade. So, let's think out of the box just a bit. Let's say Dubas sends someone off his NHL roster, such as Cody Glass (with a 50% salary holdback), to Toronto for future considerations, then offer sheets Robertson, who agrees to about a $2 million deal. Toronto accepts the trade and declines to match, thus also receiving the Penguins 2025 third-rounder," Kingerski said.
It's an interesting thought. Do you want to roll the dice on a retained Cody Glass and get a third round pick for Robertson? With enough ice time, Robertson will score more than 20 goals in his sleep. His biggest challenge so far has been staying healthy. With Tyler Bertuzzi gone, there's no one to stop him from claiming that top-6 left wing spot.
This trade scenario seems unlikely, but a deal with Pittsburgh does seem plausible if Robertson is traded. Kyle Dubas loves his guys. That we know.
Source: NHL.com
Nick Robertson stats
POLL | ||
AOUT 29 | 406 ANSWERS Reporter suggests that Nick Robertson could reunite with his former GM Kyle Dubas What kind of return do you want in a Robertson trade? | ||
An NHL player | 106 | 26.1 % |
A draft pick | 80 | 19.7 % |
A prospect of similar age and skill | 137 | 33.7 % |
I just want a trade already! | 83 | 20.4 % |
List of polls |