Latest trade helps clarify the Maple Leafs' price for Nick Robertson

On Monday, the Pittsburgh Penguins made a splash by acquiring young forward Yegor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets for forward Danton Heinen, and two picks: a 2026 second-rounder and a 2027 third-round pick.

It was the end to a saga that has stretched nearly two years, with the disgruntled forward unhappy with his playing time and now he'll get a chance to show the Penguins why he had so much hype around him, and he'll also be able to learn from one of the greatest ever in Sidney Crosby.

But Chinakhov could have very well gone elsewhere, and there were reports earlier that the Toronto Maple Leafs were interested in bringing him in, with them offering Nick Robertson straight up but it was denied.

With Robertson's name still bandied about in trade rumors and the Maple Leafs in a weird spot this season, if they end up falling too far out of the race they could be sellers; and that includes Robertson.

Though that would hurt the team's offense, if they are switching things up and making some serious changes, then Robertson is potentially a player who is on the outs.

Not that he isn't good, but knowing that he will command a lot of money next year and beyond, plus his inconsistencies over the years has maybe weakened his once secure spot in the lineup.

If Toronto is able to get a rugged player back in addition to two or potentially three draft picks in exchange for Robertson, they go from having minimal assets to at least something they can work with.

Couple that with a potential Bobby McMann trade, and other names on the block like Calle Jarnkrok and Matias Maccelli; suddenly the Maple Leafs have six or seven draft picks added, plus a couple NHL-ready players.

It wouldn't be the worst thing if Toronto is out of the race, but if they are in the thick of things and Robertson is contributing, then the team should try and keep him around. He's certainly picked it up lately with five points, a plus-two, and 11 shots over his last two games.

That pushes his season total to 19 points in 37 games (8 goals, 11 assists) with a minus-one rating. Considering that he's three points away from tying last season's output and only nine points away from setting a new career high.

He's also done it in 30 less games than last year, and if he can keep up this pace then he will smash his career highs in goals, assists, points, and potentially more.

So if Toronto is out of the playoff picture come deadline time, Nick Robertson should be able to bring back a nice haul. But if he's torching opponents then it's probably smart to keep him around at least for now.