Maple Leafs Get Clearer Picture of Nick Robertson's Trade Value After Arbitration Deal
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Thanks to Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs have a better idea of what Nick Robertson could fetch in a trade now that he's signed his new contract.
Although the Maple Leafs signed Nick Robertson and avoided arbitration, it does give a little concern as to where he will fit into the new lineup especially with the additions made this season.
What was once a third-line lock is now in question and while it may be a steal for Brad Treliving given what Robertson could bring to the team, he might have some more value as a potential trade piece.
Nick Robertson's Trade Value Explained
At least, we have a better idea of his value now thanks to Elliotte Friedman. While speaking on his 32 Thoughts podcast as part of a midsummer update, he explained that we have a better idea of where his value stands after being asked:
I had a couple of people ask me about the possibility of Nick Robertson in Pittsburgh, just because obviously Kyle Dubas knows him.
They got the arbitration settled on Saturday; $1.825 million. The Maple Leafs have to clear some bodies there; they've got a lot of them. I had one Columbus fan ask me if Yegor Chinakhov for Robertson made sense. I don't know, I think Toronto would have to do more to get that done.
They got the arbitration settled on Saturday; $1.825 million. The Maple Leafs have to clear some bodies there; they've got a lot of them. I had one Columbus fan ask me if Yegor Chinakhov for Robertson made sense. I don't know, I think Toronto would have to do more to get that done.
Well if Robertson isn't enough to pull in Chinakhov, a player who looks like he's on the outs, he might be suitable enough to build a package around.
Why Toronto Should Still Entertain Trading Nick Robertson
While he won't be able to secure a 1 for 1 deal, putting him as a centrepiece to a package for a top-six forward is definitely good enough, especially with his mixture of youth, potential and contract.
If you look at Pittsburgh, they could certainly use someone like Robertson, and with another piece or two from the Maple Leafs (Dennis Hildeby, William Villeneuve) and a pick, it might be enough to sway Kyle Dubas; especially if he's tanking.
He already wants to tank, and he could very well use Robertson in his top-six and give Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin a speedy, scoring winger. Plus, he solves his goaltending issues if he picks up Hildeby, and we know how much he likes him too.
Toronto has a new philosophy this year, and it involves being tougher, grittier and more physical. Robertson has evolved his game a bit to become more aggressive, and a full season under Craig Berube should help him more so long as he isn't scratched all the time.
So if there's a chance that he could be scratched a bunch, and there isn't a solid plan in place for him, selling on his hype is their best bet regardless of his potential.
Replace him with a sure thing, bring that top six punch in, and finally take things to the next level.
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