Maple Leafs Tried to Trade Nick Robertson for Promising Young Forward Earlier This Year

According to reporting from Sportsnet hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, a potential deal involving Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson was discussed, but ultimately was unable to come to fruition after initial talks.

Per Friedman, Toronto had discussed a deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets that would have sent Robertson to Columbus in exchange for forward Yegor Chinakhov, but the Blue Jackets did not have interest in the deal pitched by Toronto.

It's unknown the exact framework of the deal, if it would have been a 1-for-1 deal, but it would have been a change of scenery for both sides in moving on from forwards who could use a second opportunity elsewhere.

Robertson, 24, has been an outsider on the Leafs roster over the past couple of seasons, and with just one point in seven games this season.

Chinakhov, 24, was drafted as a surprise overage first rounder in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, 21st overall, but after quickly making the NHL, has stagnated in growing out his overall game, with just 30 games played and 15 points.

The failed trade of Nick Robertson showcases the trouble that the Leafs have convincing teams that Robertson has enough value to merit being in a trade of substance for Toronto.

Robertson's concern is that he has not been able to stick consistently in an NHL lineup, and being an undersized forward, runs the risk of being viewed as a player who is 'AAAA' quality, too good for the AHL, not good enough for the NHL.

Robertson is a player who could still benefit from a trade from Toronto, but the value the Leafs want may not be there.

The recent trade for Lukas Reichel to Vancouver, another young player who struggled to make the most of promise, netted just a fourth for Chicago, and Reichel is more of an established regular.

According to Friedman, New York Rangers forward Brennan Othmann is being shopped in a deal, with the price for the 22-year-old being an AHL prospect.

Pierre LeBrun said on TSN Insider Trading that the Leafs were among teams checking in on Chiankhov, but a solid start to the season may keep Chinakhov in the Jackets lineup.

The lack of value for Nick Robettson is a challenge that exists across the league, there is a lack of a market for second chances, and unless Nick Robertson does something to wow, his value may not be one that can get the Leafs the deal they'd want for him.