Frank Seravalli: There is a Strong Chance Nick Robertson is Traded

Nick Robertson was playing coy with the Maple Leafs this year, asking for a trade before eventually inking a 1-yea deal with the Maple Leafs. A lot of questions surrounded Robertson's role under new head coach Craig Berube and if things would be different, affording Robertson more ice time and the ability to flourish to the best of his ability. However, he may be finding himself out of town quicker than expected if one NHL Insider is to be believed.

Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider, reporter and analyst for Daily Faceoff has given his thoughts regarding if Robertson will stay in town, and it feels like it will be whatever is the best return possible for Robertson as opposed to just getting him out of town at any cost.

Nick Robertson still will find himself in a Top-6 role for the Maple Leafs this season and with new center William Nylander at the helm, the potential for him to breakout is increased tenfold. Speaking of, one reason Robertson might find his way out of town is due to some miscalculated decisions, such as the one during Toronto's preseason game vs. Montreal on Thursday where he attempted to do an unnecessary nudge to William Nylander going into the offensive zone leading to the center to trip and fall into a Montreal player's knee; Nylander left the game and did not return. While Robertson states it's a fluke, one has to wonder why he would pull off such a move in an essentially meaningless preseason game; it's not like they're in Game 7 of the playoffs, it was against a weaker Montreal team and they did not need the risk for such a meaningless reward.

A lot of teams could find themselves using Robertson in order to make a big playoff push. Teams such as Nashville, Florida, Carolina, and Vancouver could all use the talent of Robertson and he would easily fit on the Top-6 in most of those teams. Heck, maybe another change of scenery is what he needs in order to get back on track and he's still sour about how his tenure in Toronto has turned out so far.

Nick Robertson is a free agent at the end of this season and while he won't command the most ridiculous salary, he could translate a good season into a multi-year deal worth $4-5M AAV. It would be hard pressed to not see him flourish under Craig Berube, and him having a breath of fresh air could spell a massive turnaround for the Leafs playoff hopes.

He is a prime trade candidate for the Maple Leafs, and while he doesn't cost them too much cap wise, he could cost them the pieces needed to be successful if he doesn't end up living up to the potential he has; and that's something Toronto needs to keep a close eye on.