Nick Robertson scratched vs. Devils: Is a Simon Nemec trade looming?

Nick Robertson was scratched for his second game in a row by the Maple Leafs as trade speculation grows ahead of the deadline, the potential to add Devils defender Simon Nemec thanks to a new update out of New Jersey.

Give credit where it's due, but Nick Robertson has been a much better player in 2025-26 than he was in previous seasons. Playing with a lot more vigour, his offense has picked it up though hasn't been as consistent since the Olympic break.

He does have 26 points in 57 games (14 goals, 12 assists) and is on pace to set career highs in all three categories, but his lack of playoff production, dwindling ice-time and lack of a true path for him -- he could be dealt.

A restricted free agent and only making $1.825-million (plus still only 24 years old), he would help a lot of teams and potentially get a much bigger look and more responsibility than a fourth-line straggler.

Maple Leafs roll out same lineup as trade deadline pieces still get plenty of action

But he'll be on the outs as the Maple Leafs clash with the Devils on Wednesday night, and it's the same lineup that Craig Berube trotted out against the Philadelphia Flyers, where Toronto came away with a much better effort but a 3-2 shootout loss.

McMann - Matthews - Nylander
Knies - Tavares - Domi
Maccelli - Roy - Joshua
Lorentz - Laughton - Cowan

Rielly - Carlo
Benoit - McCabe
OEL - Myers

Stolarz

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That means both Robertson and Troy Stecher are sitting, and with the deadline approaching there might be an effort to sit players who are going to be dealt though with the same lineup and Craig Berube insisting he isn't resting trade targets -- it's just trying to run it back once again:

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But it's quite the benefit they are playing New Jersey, as they hold the perfect replacement for both Morgan Rielly and Chris Tanev, and thanks to their new influx of cap space -- could make something special happen.

Devils defender Simon Nemec has been discussed heavily over the past few months as a trade target given that the team hasn't seen him as being the star they had hoped, and a change of scenery may benefit him greatly -- and they're making serious attempts at doing so:

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With the team in need of a right-handed puck mover who is young, Nemec fits the bill perfectly. He's 22, blocks shots, throws hits, is a great passer, has a very heavy shot, a smooth skater, and overall just a very talented two-way defenseman.

He gives you the shot-blocking of Tanev, the offensive capability of Rielly without the sluggishness and he's a restricted free agent. Toronto could offer him $3-million over the next five or six years to incentivize him sticking around and give him more than enough time to earn a huge contract as he hits his prime.

The comparison: Nick Robertson vs. Simon Nemec

As you can see, Robertson can offer an upgrade up front (with familiarity with Sheldon Keefe's system) and Nemec gives the Maple Leafs the chance to seriously upgrade on defense and get a chance to find a proper deal for Rielly and move on.

Scratching Nick Robertson ahead of the deadline doesn't give the Devils a chance to see him, but given their head coach already knows all about him -- perhaps there's a method to the madness.