Insider Reveals the Real Reason Maple Leafs Haven't Traded Nick Robertson
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
NHL Insider Chris Johnston believes that the Maple Leafs are keen to hang onto Nick Robertson, and would rather trade David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok over him.
With Nick Robertson finally signed after nearly going to arbitration, the Maple Leafs are going to have to decide where he best fits in the lineup, especially with the logjam up front now.
They added a ton of forward depth but still have names like David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok on the squad even though they've tried for weeks to cut ties.
Why the Maple Leafs Are Still Holding Out Hope for Nick Robertson
With no new updates, could Toronto feasibly dangle a newly signed Robertson in order to get a deal done?
According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, the Leafs would rather keep him than not and if the team had a choice, they would much rather get rid of Kampf or Jarnkrok due to Robertson's age and potential:
The Leafs could still ship out one or more of Kampf, Jarnkrok or Robertson before the season begins; they've been reluctant to part with Robertson because of his age-related upside and ability to put the puck in the net.
Just 19 players from the 2019 NHL Draft have scored more career NHL goals than the 53rd pick. And Robertson has done that while receiving depth minutes at 5-on-5 and limited power-play usage.
Just 19 players from the 2019 NHL Draft have scored more career NHL goals than the 53rd pick. And Robertson has done that while receiving depth minutes at 5-on-5 and limited power-play usage.
Given that Robertson has nearly a decade on Jarnkrok, and a good six years on Kampf, there is a ton of time for him to grow and unlock that potential as opposed to knowing for sure what you'll get with the other two.
Is Robertson Worth Keeping Over Trusted Veterans?
Is betting on hype a good thing? Well, yes and no. With the two veterans you at least know what their roles are, but with Robertson it's a question of does he go on the third line? Is he a top-six player now? There are so many variables that can go either way.
Robertson is projected to actually play above his contract value which is a huge positive for the team, however again, these are just projections and he could surprise everyone and be even better, or fall flat on his face.
While he did manage to skate in 69 games for the Leafs last year, Robertson only added 22 points (15 goals, 7 assists) and was often a healthy scratch; he didn't miss 13 games due to injury that's for sure.
If Toronto doesn't get their top-six forward before October, you could feasibly see Robertson on the third line with Nic Roy and either Bobby McMann or Dakota Joshua, or could be a fourth line spark plug alongside Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz (though he would be expected to play more defensive).
While he does come with some baggage, and could ask for a trade at any moment; there's a lot to be excited about.
Clearly Robertson is betting on himself this year, and the only thing Toronto can hope for is that it pays off somehow.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 6 | 1501 ANSWERS Insider Reveals the Real Reason Maple Leafs Haven't Traded Nick Robertson Do you think Toronto should keep or trade Nick Robertson? | ||
| Keep | 599 | 39.9 % |
| Trade | 902 | 60.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
