Maple Leafs Division Rival Suddenly Emerges as Potential New Home for Nick Robertson
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs might have a new candidate in the Nick Robertson sweepstakes as a Sports Illustrated article links him to the rival Detroit Red Wings.
Although he ended up re-signing with the club and avoided arbitration, there is a big chance that he could still be traded in order to shore up the top-six, Nick Robertson still hasn't found a real spot in the lineup and might be seen as more depth than anything.
He still has a lot to offer when it comes to potential and youth upside, but his inconsistency has led many to believe that the Maple Leafs should end up cutting ties with him and while there are certainly some teams who could use him more than others; nothing has come close when it comes to a deal.
Why a Division Rival Move Could Be Risky for the Maple Leafs
But according to Sports Illustrated, there could be a team who jumps in ahead of others in the pursuit of Robertson, that being divisional and Original-Six rivals the Detroit Red Wings.
In an article commenting on three potential landing spots for Robertson, SI named the Red Wings as the perfect candidate due to their lack of offensive help and aging veterans:
The Detroit Red Wings are trying to return to postseason contention, but patience is beginning to thin with general manager Steve Yzerman. They need more scoring depth to contend in the Atlantic Division, and Robertson would certainly add to that.
When you look at the potential lineup for Detroit, veterans like Patrick Kane or James Van Riemsdyk are set to play on the top line.
While both can still contribute, having more scoring depth further down the lineup and more competition for the top-six is the best safeguard against a drop off from either aging winger.
When you look at the potential lineup for Detroit, veterans like Patrick Kane or James Van Riemsdyk are set to play on the top line.
While both can still contribute, having more scoring depth further down the lineup and more competition for the top-six is the best safeguard against a drop off from either aging winger.
There is no doubt that Robertson would not only get meaningful minutes in Detroit but would be looked at to be their spark plug on offense. He has the potential to be a 20+ goal scorer in this league, and Detroit will play him in much heavier and lucrative opportunities than Toronto would.
Plus if he breaks out, it's yet another potential star that Toronto let go too early, an all too familiar tale with the blue and white.
How Nick Robertson's Future Could Impact Toronto's Depth
In terms of a return, Toronto wouldn't be getting anything premium but could look to add Mason Appleton potentially to give them even more depth, or look to take one of Detroit's picks in the hopes of dealing it elsewhere, or finding a potential diamond in the rough.
If Toronto gets a pick, then they at least shore up some salary cap and roster issues, but bringing in Appleton negates any potential benefits for trading Robertson.
The team is already as deep as it potentially can be, with several players in the AHL able to come in at a moment's notice. So you're losing out on potential as opposed to a sure thing.
For Toronto, a team who desperately needs to make a move somewhere, shipping him off to Hockeytown might be the best thing for Robertson and his career; though it's a gamble that only time will tell if it pays out.
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