When you exist at the center of the hockey universe, much buzz is made of your players. The Auston Matthews-led Toronto Maple Leafs know this well. Being an Original Six team and having arguably the most recognizable jersey in the sport will do that.
Ink has been spilled about young Maple Leafs’ forward Nick Robertson. Despite agreeing to a contract extension, his future with the organization is still in question. Because of this, one scribe has linked the 23-year-old to three NHL teams: the Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings, and Chicago Blackhawks.
3 Trade Destinations Identified for Maple Leafs’ Nick Robertson
Jacob Punturi of Sports Illustrated wrote this about Robertson and his situation with the Maple Leafs.
“Also happening again this summer is constant trade talks surrounding the Maple Leafs’ forward,” Punturi wrote on August 13th. “Despite the talent Robertson possesses, he doesn’t quite fit into Toronto’s long-term plans. Even as the roster was overhauled this offseason, Robertson still projects to be a third or fourth-line winger in this lineup.”
The Maple Leafs have $1.919 million in cap space with another target on their radar to ink to a deal. That leads Punturi to believe that Robertson is on the outside looking in.
“With the Maple Leafs’ salary cap situation needing resolved before the regular season begins, Robertson could be the odd-man out,” Punturi reasoned. “If that’s the case, there are multiple teams around the NHL that will be eager to bring him in and offer a fresh start.”
He then identifies the Blackhawks, Red Wings, and Penguins as potential fits.
Why Each Team Would Want the Maple Leafs’ Forward
For the Blackhawks, Punturi believes that Robertson can contribute at least 15 goals to help ease the load off of Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and company.
“Robertson gives them another 15-20 goal scorer to mix and match in their top-nine groupings,” Punturi opined. “While also taking some of the pressure off the rising players in Chicago.”
Robertson has scored 14 and 15 goals in each of the last two seasons.
As far as the Red Wings are concerned, Punturi sees a lot of potential with Robertson – even a spot on the top line could be in the cards.
“When you look at the potential lineup for Detroit, veterans like Patrick Kane or James Van Riemsdyk are set to play on the top line,” Punturi wrote. “While both can still contribute, having more scoring depth further down the lineup and more competition for the top-six is the best safeguard against a drop-off from either aging winger.”
Heavy.com has previously reported that the Penguins are perhaps the most likely destination for the young forward.
“In need of more scoring help, Robertson would get the best chance of his NHL career to become a 20-goal scorer for the first time,” Punturi said of a potential fit with the Penguins. “The rebuilding Penguins are also likely to deal one of their veteran wingers this season, which could push him into Pittsburgh’s top-six very soon.”
What Would a Trade For the Maple Leafs’ Forward Look Like
Heavy.com has previously proposed what a trade to the Red Wings might look like.
Red Wings Acquire:
Maple Leafs Acquire:
This “change of scenery” deal serves as a good framework for any trade involving Robertson. It echoes the Isaac Howard-for-Sam O’Reilly trade between the Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning that happened earlier this offseason.
With that kind of template for a trade agreement, it’s only a matter of time until a Robertson deal materializes.
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