Nick Robertson is rejecting his qualifying offer and the Maple Leafs can no longer take him for granted
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
After taking "prove-it" deals over the past few seasons, Nick Robertson is reportedly demanding a proper commitment from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Sportsnet's Luke Fox reports that Leafs forward Nick Robertson wants a longer-term deal with Toronto, hoping to be locked down by the club.
Robertson, 24, has signed two separate one-year deals over the last few seasons, his last deal at $1.83M. Fox says that Robertson is expected to reject his qualifying offer and seek a new deal.
The Leafs winger hit career highs with 16 goals, 16 assists, & 32 points in 78 games played this season for Toronto, finally establishing himself as a full-time NHLer.
Robertson had a career year and his qualifying offer of $1.825M no longer reflects what he brings to this roster
Nick Robertson is eyeing the opportunity of his next contract being able to lock him up beyond just next season, which should likely also come with a raise.
It's of little surprise for Robertson to be seeking a committed offer after being taken to arbitration last season, now wanting a bigger payday as he's established himself in the Leafs lineup.
Robertson has value as a young, offensively reliable forward, and the Leafs don't have many of that. What is worth noting is Robertson able to provide scoring for Toronto in the bottom-six, still a much needed asset for the team.
This will be Robertson's final RFA year, which makes clear that Robertson wants a deal that will bring him to his UFA years, and provide him a real bit of leverage.
The new GM inherits a Robertson decision on day one and how they handle it defines what kind of organization this is
The Toronto Maple Leafs are likely to give Nick Robertson an increase on his current deal, but for how much is unclear, and plays a factor into Robertson's future.
Robertson does not appear a likely offer sheet candidate, unless a team wants to try a dual offer sheet with him and brother Jason in Dallas, perhaps.
A piece was written last week by another HP writer, and while the Robertson brothers reuniting is highly unlikely, a team like Toronto could use a player like Jason, and may hope he too takes a short-term deal on a new deal with the Stars.
What is uncertain is what Toronto is willing to pay. Already having played hardball twice with Robertson, just how valued he is remains unclear.
Matias Maccelli's expiring three-year deal at $3.425M annually could be a comparable for Robertson to start at, with a rising cap could see Toronto sensibly settle at $3-3.25M.
One of the first priorities of the next Toronto Maple Leafs general manager, Nick Robertson's demand for a permanent commitment will be an early test for the new GM.
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