The Toronto Maple Leafs are exploring the trade market for one of their skilled forwards.
The Maple Leafs have an excess of forwards, and with Easton Cowan now in the lineup and playing well, it could force a trade. Nick Robertson, David Kampf, and Calle Jarnkrok’s names came up in trade rumors this offseason, but none were moved.
However, despite Robertson being an everyday player in the lineup, NHL insider Darren Dreger reports that Toronto is exploring the trade market for the forward.
“The 24-year-old finds himself one more time in a very familiar spot with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he’s hoping for a larger role, opportunity in the National Hockey League,” Dreger said on Insider Trading on Tuesday. “He’s pushing 160 NHL games. I know that Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has recently talked with clubs that may have some interest in Nick Robertson. Given the depth that the Maple Leafs have, it’s a tough spot for Robertson. So maybe it’s time to give him a fresh start somewhere else.”
Robertson requested a trade two offseasons ago, but he wasn’t moved. And, despite him playing in every game, he’s on the third line, and he could be traded to get a chance to be a top-six forward on another team.
Robertson signed a one-year, $1.825 million extension with the Maple Leafs this offseason. He’s recorded 1 assist in 4 games.
Maple Leafs Coach Explains Why Robertson Made The Lineup
Robertson was on the roster bubble entering training camp, but he did enough to earn a roster spot.
The skilled winger impressed Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube enough to earn a roster spot. Berube said Robertson showed enough in camp to warrant a roster spot as he can be a secondary scorer for the team.
“A lot like he did last year, if you look at him during training camp, the effort, and the ability to score a goal when we need it,” Berube said about Robertson. “He scored goals throughout camp. With his work ethic and tenacity, he is just a noticeable player. He came in, worked extremely hard, and played well. He deserved to be on the team.”
Robertson, meanwhile, said his goal in training camp was to make the roster and be an everyday player.
“Right now, I can’t speak for what their plans are for me in the future,’’ Robertson said to The Toronto Star’s Rosie DiManno. “What I do know is that I’m here and I’m giving everything I’ve got. I can’t control what the future looks like for me here. I’m just excited to be here, back on the ice. Whatever happens to me is out of my control, so I’ll just go about my business.’’
Toronto selected Robertson in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft.
Cowan Could Push Robertson Out of Lineup
With the injury to Steven Lorentz, Cowan got the chance to enter the lineup on the top line, and he’s had success.
With Cowan showing he should be an everyday player, Robertson’s future is up in the air. Especially, once Lorentz and Scott Laughton return to the lineup.
Berube, meanwhile, is impressed with Cowan’s play.
“He is a dog on a bone out there. He hounds everything, gets pucks back, and strips people. He’s played well. He played well again tonight. On back-to-back nights, I wasn’t sure, but I thought he had another good night. It was good to see. It seems like that line is forming chemistry with them. He is a worker — a worker with skill,” Berube said.
The Maple Leafs host the New York Rangers on Thursday.
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