The Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t in panic mode…yet. Things might not be rosy after a loss to the Seattle Kraken, which prompted Anthony Stolarz to vent his frustration to the media. Some of that frustration was directed at teammate William Nylander, who leads the team in scoring with 11 points in six games. Rounding out the top five in Maple Leafs scoring are Matthew Knies (8 points), John Tavares (7 points), Auston Matthews (6 points), and Morgan Rielly (6 points).
Outside of the top dogs and their top goaltender, not many players are delivering what they are expected to. Despite this lack of secondary scoring at this stage of the season, they need to make some changes.
Reports indicate that the Maple Leafs are trying to “solve” their Nick Robertson situation. The best solution is likely a trade, but exiling him to the bottom six isn’t the way to get the best bang for their buck.
Maple Leafs Still Looking for Nick Robertson Solution
On the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman briefly addressed the Robertson situation in Toronto. According to the insider, they are trying to “solve” things.
“I think Nick Robertson in Toronto, that’s another one that I think the Maple Leafs are trying to solve,” Friedman revealed on the October 20 episode. “I think people kind of recognize that it’s time. So, we’ll see if they can find something there.”
Robertson has shown the ability to score goals at every level of hockey he has played. Over the last two years in the NHL, he has had 14 and 15 goals, respectively. He played 56 games in 2023-24 and 69 games in 2024-25.
Not to mention that he hasn’t averaged more than 12 minutes of ice time per game in an NHL season.
The Solution to the Robertson Issue
GettyNick Robertson
That’s why the solution to the Robertson problem is simple – elevate him to the top line. It’s a win-win for both parties.
Either Robertson gels and pumps up his value in a trade, or proves he isn’t a top-line player. If he gels, that should compel teams to increase their trade offers to acquire him. If he doesn’t, they can cut their losses and put him on waivers or send him to the first team to offer a draft pick they can use to make an upgrade at the trade deadline.
Suggesting that they put Robertson on the first line isn’t a particularly ridiculous idea. After all, Toronto’s top-six wingers have been a revolving door to begin the season. That revolving door has included Easton Cowan, Nylander, Matias Maccelli, and Max Domi.
“Easton Cowan has looked more and more like a 20-year-old leaping straight from junior into the NHL — and onto a top line in the NHL, for that matter,” Jonas Siegel wrote in The Athletic the morning of October 20. “He also struggled to make positive plays with the puck against the Kraken and was dropped from the top line after two periods and replaced by Nylander.”
“Nylander is the third right winger — after Cowan and Matias Maccelli — that Berube has tried on the top line, and fourth if you include Max Domi’s oh-so-brief spin there in training camp.”
According to Mark Masters, Domi was still on the top line at practice on Monday, October 20. Maccelli was on the second line with Tavares and Nylander.
Robertson Must Play in the Top Six
Robertson is great at generating goals in the limited ice time he has been given. While his overall totals leave less to be desired, his per-60 numbers paint a much different picture.
From the 2023-24 season up to October 21st, 2025, Robertson ranks second on the team in goals per 60 at five on five (G/60) with 1.12. The only player high is Matthews, with 1.41 G/60. Just below Robertson are Bobby McMann (1.11 G/60), Nylander (1.11 G/60), and Knies (1.05 G/60).
With that kind of production, it makes sense to give Robertson a shot that lasts longer than one game. McMann was given an opportunity, and Robertson should be the next one offered the same opportunity.
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