The ongoing saga between the Toronto Maple Leafs and restricted free agent Nick Robertson has hit a stalemate, with no progress in sight since he requested a trade from the team at the end of June. Despite Robertson’s stellar performance last season with 14 goals and 27 points in 56 games, the 22-year-old winger remains unsigned as the clock ticks closer to the start of training camp.
TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston shed light on the situation, stating, “It’s kind of at a standstill right now. My understanding is Nick Robertson’s desire to move on hasn’t changed, but the fact remains he’s a restricted free agent, he only has so many rights. Especially if he doesn’t want to sign a contract and the organization decides not to move him, really all he could do is miss time and try to put pressure on the team that way. But obviously it comes at a cost to him, both in terms of getting up to speed in training camp and potentially playing games, and obviously a financial cost.”
The uncertainty surrounding Robertson has left many wondering how the situation will be resolved. With training camp looming, there seems to be no immediate solution on the horizon. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving emphasized the team’s need for Robertson, highlighting his potential and importance to the lineup.
Treliving stated, “I have certainly known that there was some frustration with Nick, but we look at Nick as an excellent player. There is great opportunity for Nick here. We need him to be a good player for us. I am not going to get into any speculation or public back-and-forth. We will just leave it at that and continue to move forward.”
Drafted in 2019, Robertson has faced ups and downs in his short professional career. Despite playing a career-high 56 games last season, he expressed his frustration after being loaned to the AHL affiliate and failing to report.
“It’s been kind of weird,” Robertson shared with reporters. “I’ve just been practicing on my own while the guys were on the road and just waiting for my turn, I guess.”
As the standoff between Robertson and the Maple Leafs persists, the hockey world waits with bated breath to see how this situation will ultimately unfold.
