Maple Leafs Facing Big Decision as Nick Robertson Trade Feels Inevitable

The 24-year-old Robertson has struggled to be a consistent factor on the Leafs roster, and is once again seemingly on the sidelines.

The emergence of Easton Cowan as a real threat to make the Leafs fourth line has shut out what could have been Robertson's roster spot, making the rookie potentially leapfrog Robertson, and push him out of Toronto entirely.

Along with Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf, Robertson finds himself seemingly at risk of either being sent to the minors, made to ride the bench, or being traded.

Robertson would likely welcome a trade over once again being looked over, with at least two of him, Jarnkrok, and Kampf being moved or demoted, making Robertson's future a questionable one as he has value, but that value could be used instead for trade help.

With one year left on his deal and having a standoff over his contract in the offseason, Robertson seems poised for an exit that him not making the team would increase.

Nick Robertson seems without a place in the lineup, and it's something that could finally see him push for a move.

Even with the extension for Robertson in the offseason for a year, it didn't appear that it was any precursor to keeping him in the organization, much less the lineup.

The lack of Robertson in the Leafs roster in the playoffs was a signal enough that the gains he made in the regular season wasn't enough to displace the top-nine Toronto currently has, and he'd always be just on the cusp of making it.

While he seems destined for being dealt, a trade could be beneficial for Robertson in getting a fresh start away from Toronto, and to a potential opportunity that unlocks the best for him.

Nick Robertson is one of the few young players of value who could bring a respectable return back for Toronto.

The Leafs got back a third and Matt Benning in exchange for Timothy Liljegren, a return that Toronto may not get the same value as Liljegren was bigger and a premium position as a right-handed defenseman, but could be a comparable for a similar return.

Toronto has just three picks currently in the 2026 NHL Draft, zero in the first two rounds. The Leafs do not have a first until 2028. They won't get a first for Robertson, but they could get some picks.

The Sharks, one team linked to Robertson, have two fourth-round picks in the 2026 Draft, but don't have a third-rounder for the next three drafts, making it a move that would be difficult to agree to for the rebuilding Sharks.

San Jose could instead give up prospects, although as a team focused on their youth, they may be reluctant to disrupt their current projected state where youngsters make up their future.

Still, a move for Nick Robertson would also add a player who at 24 can be a top-six forward, if he can get to the right place that turns him into the forward he can be.