Maple Leafs Remain Open to Moving Young Forward, Per Latest Report

Although the Toronto Maple Leafs locked up Nick Robertson for the 2025-26 season and avoided arbitration, there are still some questions about where he fits in the lineup and whether or not he can add exactly what Craig Berube needs.

Incredibly streaky and inconsistent, when he's on he's on, but absolutely glacial at times and will go dozens of games without scoring.

He's got the potential to be a genuine perennial 20-goal scorer in the NHL and has shown glimpses of what he can offer albeit needs to improve some other aspects of his game especially under Berube.

But with the question of whether or not he fits also comes the question of whether or not he's going to be sticking around at all. Not only has he requested a trade multiple times, but he could be used in a package to help bring in a piece Toronto can actually use regularly.

NHL Insider Chris Johnston seems to think this is the case and on the latest episode of his podcast The CJ Show, he mentioned the Maple Leafs' potential plans regarding Robertson:

It's pretty remarkable to think that a player who at one point was pegged to be a star for years to come could be on the outs in due time. Toronto isn't going to mess around with players they don't need, and if he can bring in a proven veteran then so be it.

For what it's worth though, Robertson still oozes potential and could be a bonafide piece in any offense for years to come if he gets his footing under him.

He's gone through two coaches, and while many would come to the assumption it's the player's fault, there is a lot of pressure in Toronto and maybe he just can't handle the heat.

There's nothing wrong with that, but if he is afraid of the spotlight, he should definitely be looked at as someone who needs to be traded. Matthew Knies said it best:

That's the type of attitude that Toronto needs in their lineup, and when Robertson's repeated requests for a trade due to a lack of playing time (with no precedent to give it to him) it's going to make fans feel like he doesn't want to be here.

So if he doesn't, then they should seriously think about shipping him out. Maybe he won't bring a premium asset back, but if it brings someone who cares about making a difference and doing the small things; it's well worth it.