Two Frontrunners Emerge to Acquire Nick Robertson via Trade, per Insider

The trade deadline is still a ways away however that hasn't stopped the speculation regarding who Brad Treliving is going to bring onto the squad in order to give them the best chance at a much needed deep playoff run.

But there's also a lot of talk about who Toronto might be shipping out of town as well. Pontus Holmberg has seemingly fallen out of favor and hasn't lived up to his potential, Morgan Rielly could be gone by the summer if he doesn't turn things around, and even Mitch Marner was bandied about in a blockbuster.

One name who hasn't budged from trade rumors is Nick Robertson, as the oft-inconsistent forward has had a rollercoaster season which could lead him being on the outs.

NHL Insider Dave Pagnotta recently revealed that Robertson's services have been narrowed down to two Western Conference teams.

Pagnotta writes in his latest article focusing on potential trade candidates, he listed Robertson at 24th on his ranking of Top 25 players to be traded:

He then goes to name the Dallas Stars and Seattle Kraken as the likely destinations for Robertson.

It's no surprise that Dallas has interest in the Leafs forward, as his older brother Jason is one of the team's best players. This season the elder Robertson has 10 goals and 22 assists for the third-place Stars.

Although Nick has only six goals and four assists, it's a much better visual compared to how he started the season. A change of scenery with a deep connection could be the key to unlocking his potential.

Toronto could add youngster Sam Steel in order to give their third line a trio of Steel, Max Domi, and Bobby McMann. He provides solid defense and faceoff metrics, plus provides the scoring depth the team needs come playoff time.

He's also a free agent, and a cheap option at only $1.2M, so there's a possibility he gets his name called to head to Toronto.

The team could also try and go after Mason Marchment, and having been linked to the hulking power forward in the past; it could be a great pairing although he is a bit expensive at $4.5M for this season and the next.

Seattle also has had one of their players linked to the Maple Leafs since almost the beginning of the season in Yanni Gourde. Not Brad Treliving or Craig Berube's type in terms of size, his grit, defense, and clutch ability largely makes up for it.

He's great on the faceoff, throws his weight around even if he's only 174 pounds, and isn't a stranger to the big time, winning back to back Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.

Toronto would need some help financially when it comes to acquiring Gourde as he does cost $5.167M but if Seattle is willing to take on some salary and they can find a way to dump a contract as well; it could pay off huge for the team.

Gourde this season is having a down year, with only six goals and 10 assists for the struggling Kraken.

Brad Treliving has a lot of work to do when it comes to who he brings in and who he ships out. He's got a bit of a head start though, and now it'll be up to two Western teams to duke it out for the potential of Nick Robertson.