Maple Leafs Paying the Price for Costly Roster Mistakes That Limit Trade Flexibility

Look, nobody's batting 1.000 when it comes to being an NHL GM.

Sometimes things just don't work out the way you hope and you can hardly blame executives for making moves they think will better their team.

However there are some pretty glaringly bad deals floating around the league as well, and whether it's a bloated salary, too long a term, an awkward fit or a combination of the three; there's certainly some buyer's remorse when it comes to certain deals.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are one of those teams no doubt, and their history of making less than savvy signings is well documented.

Although they've shaken the deals of David Clarkson, Nathan Horton, Ryan Reaves, and other brutal contracts, there's still a few that are looking pretty egregious.

David Kampf's is the first that comes to mind, and how Brad Treliving thought it was feasible to pay a fourth-line forward $2.4-million a season for four years is quite frankly, stunning.

Toronto is desperate to trade him but at that contract and his lack of anything beyond a bit of defense; it's hard to find a buyer.

Another bad deal could be considered Max Domi's although he does have the versatility and flexibility to play in the top-six. However, he does make $3.75-million and was signed to a four-year deal after a solid debut season but his inconsistencies have led to questions about where he fits.

One that doesn't seem too bad but is costing the Maple Leafs is that of Nick Robertson's deal. Avoiding arbitration, the two sides came to a one-year, $1.825-million agreement, a decent middle ground considering Robertson wanted double his previous pay.

But he really doesn't deserve it given his inconsistent play as well as his seemingly hot and cold attitude about wanting to be with the team. First he wants a trade, then he wants to stay, then he wants too much money; it's a bizarre relationship.

So that relationship could and potentially should come to an end in the coming weeks and months. Sure, Robertson can really start to break out and end up being that scoring threat Toronto needs him to be.

But history hasn't been too kind to him, and the first month of the season is going to be a true test for the young forward.

Looking back at last season, he scored his first goal on Oct. 22 then didn't score until over a month later on Nov. 30. Fast forward to December where he scored four goals in the month.

Then it was about a month or so pace where Robertson would score a goal or two, then go silent for games upon games before emerging again; often after a healthy scratch.

So he might end up being one of the centrepieces around a trade to bring in a top-six forward who can actually contribute. We know that Pittsburgh has been interested in Robertson, and they hold a couple of pieces who could help Toronto.

With a logjam already up front and some serious competition from names like Easton Cowan and Jacob Quillan, as well as depth pieces like Michael Pezzetta and Calle Jarnkrok; it's hard to see a spot for Robertson in a Berube lineup.

It's been two coaches, and more of the same from Toronto's 53rd overall pick in 2019. While there's hope for him to turn it around, this is truly something that has to be seen to be believed.