Maple Leafs analyst and TSN FirstUp host Carlo Colaiacovo was blunt in his assessment of Nicholas Robertson's place in the lineup for the 2025-26 season.
There's a lot of talk about who the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to potentially bring in to help their top-six to not only replace Mitch Marner, but give the team a new identity and change the DNA for a team that desperately needs a new look.
But there's also a lot of talk about where the current pieces are going to fit in and we've heard talks about guys like Max Domi, David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok being potential trade candidates as Brad Treliving tries to make some necessary changes.
Nick Robertson doesn't have a place anymore: Colaiacovo
However we've not heard much about Nick Robertson, besides him filing for salary arbitration. So while he tries to fight for a longer and larger contract, there's still a question as to where he fits in the current lineup.
According to former Maple Leafs defenseman and co-host of TSN's FirstUp program Carlo Colaiacovo; there isn't one.
Speaking on the latest FirstUp episode, Colaiacovo explained that he doesn't see Robertson as a full-time player, and may actually end up being the 13th forward:
Thirteenth forward. You're going to play Nick Robertson on your fourth line?
I could find that type of role. So I mean, I don't know. Nick Robertson deserves an opportunity elsewhere at this point. It's just a matter of if the Leafs can give him one. But if he's on the Leafs, he's like an in-and-out thirteenth forward, twelfth forward, somewhere in that range for me.
Toronto did extend a qualifying offer to Robertson, so clearly there is still a bit of interest on the Maple Leafs end, but with his inconsistent production and several healthy scratches; it's hard to see where he fits.
For example, Toronto is pretty much set with their top-six, and Robertson doesn't fit there anyways. Looking at the third line you have Nicolas Roy, Bobby McMann, and Max Domi, plus the potential of bringing Max Pacioretty back, he's got no room there.
Then we have the fourth line which is more than likely Scott Laughton, Steven Lorentz and Michael Pezzetta; a rough and tumble line that is big on size and physicality, something Robertson lacks.
Drafted 53rd overall by Toronto in 2019, Robertson has 56 points in 156 games (32 goals, 24 assists) which while respectable, is not exactly the type of production you'd expect from someone with such talent.
He's also wanted to be traded but relented eventually, giving the Maple Leafs 15 goals, but not much else on a cheap deal, and couldn't play himself into a certified deal.
Robertson needs a fresh start like Colaiacovo states, and if the Maple Leafs want to make sure they give themselves the best chance to succeed with their new roster, they've gotta let go of Nick Robertson.