The Maple Leafs Need to Avoid Making This One Major Mistake Involving Max Pacioretty
The Maple Leafs are at risk of making a huge mistake ahead of the start of the season, and it involves Max Pacioretty.
After an intriguing offseason, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson has clearly excelled in training camp. He has displayed speed and strength, on top of showcasing his knack for scoring goals. This summer, Robertson made it clear that he didn't want to re-sign with Toronto. However, the speedy restricted free agent ultimately agreed to a one-year deal worth $875,000 for the upcoming season after his trade request was not granted.
Despite his strong performance, it may be too little, too late. The prolonged contract discussions could have soured his relationship with the Leafs, and with too many options on the wing, the team may choose to let him go.
One veteran player looking for a spot with the Maple Leafs is Max Pacioretty, who has also been impressive in training camp. However, this move could backfire, as noted by Justin Bourne on the Sportsnet FAN590 radio show:
Robertson is coming off a solid season with the Leafs, even though he didn't play all 82 games, often being made a healthy scratch by former Leafs bench boss Sheldon Keefe. Even with inconsistent ice time, he recorded 14 goals and 13 assists for 27 points in 56 games, often playing limited minutes on the third and fourth lines.
While Pacioretty may be a more seasoned NHL player than Robertson at this point in their careers, replacing Robertson with the oft-injured veteran would be a mistake for several reasons. First, there's little long-term potential for Pacioretty, who will turn 36 in November. Additionally, his injury history makes him a risky choice compared to the younger Robertson, who also has a spotty injury history, but appears to be healthy, finally.
Regardless of where Nick Robertson ends up playing next season, he looks poised to become a significant offensive threat, eager to prove he can be a valuable everyday player in the NHL. This is one guy that the Leafs may regret giving up on if they opt to move him. We've seen what his brother, Jason Robertson, can do in Dallas, so if any of that skill runs in the family, the Leafs would be wise to hold onto Robertson for dear life.
