Brad Treliving and Maple Leafs Urged To Make A Trade As Player's Value Suddenly Surges

If Nick Robertson's preseason was any indicator, the Leafs forward was poised to break out in a big way after scoring five goals. However, going into Saturday's game he had one goal in 19 games and not showing any of the potential that Toronto had hoped for.

Things might start turning around for Robertson, as he finally hit the scoreboard again in Saturday's 5-3 win over Tampa Bay and if he starts to get hot it could be dangerous for other teams.

But it's also a bit dangerous for Toronto too.

Brad Treliving is going to have to make a decision soon regarding Nick Robertson. The polarizing forward has had a whirlwind of a season that started with a trade request and has settled into whatever this season is defined as.

It's great for Toronto if they can add Robertson's scoring to their bottom six and he can be a crucial part to Toronto's success if he can get hot. We know he can score, having 14 goals last year in minimal ice time. Even a normal pace from Robertson would suffice at this point.

But he hurts Toronto too if they decide not to do anything. Robertson's best asset is his potential and if he gets attention from prospective buyers then Toronto needs to act quick if a sudden performance is just a flash in the pan.

Robertson's value has been a topic of interest when it comes to trade talks, as Toronto wants to maximize their return for Robertson, but a team isn't going to overpay for an unproven forward. It's a tough balancing act for Treliving but it could be a part of a bigger plan.

Robertson sent somewhere for a 3rd round pick wouldn't be the worst deal to make and considering Toronto could package the pick alongside more draft assets or another player, they could get themselves a big upgrade.

All things considered, Robertson scoring is a positive sign for both Toronto and the young forward. But if they don't get rid of him while he's getting hot, his inconsistency will come back to hurt the team in a big way.