California-born forward Nick Roberston seemed to have a bright future in the NHL, and in 2019, the Toronto Maple Leafs agreed. He was lucky enough to be drafted 53rd overall and expressed how excited he was to join the team he had his eyes on.
However, the match was not made in heaven. After playing with the team for four years, Roberston has recorded 34 career points but has only played 87 games. Understandably, the restricted free agent, looking for a better chance to shine, has asked to be traded.
Understandably, discussions of where the young forward will move have already started. Notably, Adam Proteau of Hockey News has named three rival teams that are likely at the top of the list to acquire Nick Robertson: the San Jose Sharks, the Las Vegas Golden Knights, and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Ultimately, all three teams provide some advantage for the Toronto Maple Leafs and nearly guarantee Robertson more ice time. Each can send over draft picks while filling in middle-line forwards, particularly Columbus and San Jose, who are working through much-needed rebuilding processes.
With Nick Roberston i restricted free agency, it may be some time before he is officially off the Toronto Maple Leafs. Regardless, we can expect him to become a fresh face for some team in the NHL in the future, wherever it may be.
Source: Hockey FeedThree rival teams linked to Leafs' Nick Robertson
POLL | ||
10 JUILLET | 403 ANSWERS Toronto's Nick Robertson linked to three NHL rivals Where will Nick Robertson play if he leaves the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
San Jose Sharks | 105 | 26.1 % |
Las Vegas Golden Knights | 80 | 19.9 % |
Columbus Blue Jackets | 76 | 18.9 % |
Other | 142 | 35.2 % |
List of polls |