Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs: Trade Rumors Heating Up After Weeks of Speculation

Both Timothy Liljegren and Nick Robertson had high hopes coming into the 2024-2025 season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Liljegren was trying to earn his spot amongst the bevy of Toronto defenseman on their depth chart, and Robertson is trying to showcase his untapped potential after a few miserable years under Sheldon Keefe. Robertson re-signed in the summer after months of speculation, and many analysts believe that he could be shipped out of town even with the new contract.

The rumor mill about both men is about to start churning at a rapid pace however, as it was reported that 14 teams sent representatives to the Maple Leafs game on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Kings.

It's not surprising to see teams sending out their scouts to take a look at the former first round pick in Liljegren and a solid Top-6 forward in Robertson. Both men haven't gotten their chance yet, though not for a lack of trying. Liljegren has shown flashes of brilliance, however is a defensive liability at times and wasn't the elite playmaker Toronto thought they drafted 17th overall in 2017 and re-signed this offseason, which could be a blessing or curse in hindsight.

Nick Robertson on the other hand, had a solid season in limited ice-time last season, scoring 14 goals and 13 assists while averaging under 12 minutes of ice-time per night, and his potential to be a top winger in the league is there but hasn't been tapped into fully yet.

One interesting tidbit in this whole trade speculation scenario is that the Dallas Stars are interested in one or both of these players. Dallas is intriguing as they currently employ Jason Robertson, Nick Robertson's older brother; perhaps they think a family reunion is right around the corner. Current Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill is personally in attendance to watch the game and whatever impression Nill comes out of the game with will determine whether or not they make a play. Dallas have been speculated as one of the teams more closely linked to Liljegren, and it wouldn't be shocking if they try to send a package for both Maple Leafs players.

There's currently nothing set in stone and this is merely just a wild scenario but when you have nearly half the league taking a look at your disgruntled defenseman and potentially elite winger? Where there's smoke, there's fire.