Leafs Young Gun On The Block: Nick Robertson Listed as Trade Target – What Does the Future Hold?
Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli released his latest Top 30 trade targets list, and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson appears to be an intriguing candidate.
Robertson ranked 25th on Seravalli’s list. The 23-year-old has appeared in 41 games for the Leafs this season, recording eight goals and 12 points. He’s owed $875,000 against the cap this season, and is a pending restricted free agent this upcoming offseason.
“Robertson is no stranger to the trade board, having requested a trade over the summer that went unfulfilled by the Leafs,” Seravalli wrote. “He hasn’t followed up with a season that would give the Leafs pause in moving him. Robertson has been healthy scratched by coach Craig Berube on occasion as his NHL-caliber shot alone isn’t enough to keep him in the lineup. He’d be a solid piece that the Leafs could use in a deal to both create roster and a little salary cap flexibility in a larger deal.”
Moving Robertson straight up may not be the most prudent idea for GM Brad Treliving, due to his perceived lack of trade value, but as Seravalli reports, he could be included as part of a package in a much bigger transaction, where the Leafs could potentially land an impact player. There have been multiple reports Treliving would like to add a middle-six centre and it’s very likely the Leafs GM also tries to upgrade his blueline.
As for Robertson, he’s had a turbulent start to his career in blue and white. From inconsistent playing time under Sheldon Keefe, to asking for a trade during the summer, before meeting with Craig Berube and rescinding his request, to lighting up the scoresheet in preseason and now finding himself in and out of the lineup, it could be time a good time for a change of scenery.
Heading into this weekend’s action, Robertson has just two goals in his last 12 games, and has seen his ice-time vary from over 15 minutes Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, to under nine minutes on January 5 against the Philadelphia Flyers.
