What it would take for the Maple Leafs to realistically pursue Jason Robertson
Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs could potentially acquire Jason Robertson according to Nick Kypreos as long as they don't mind giving up both their top prospects.
With all the discussion about who the Toronto Maple Leafs could bring in on the defensive end of things, there is a case to be made that although their offense has picked things up; they could use a bit more help up front.
They have been linked to some names floating around the market such as Andrew Mangiapane and Mason Marchment (even if he was already dealt once this year). They can't afford much, but it's not going to stop Brad Treliving from giving it a go.
But if they were to make a huge splash it would certainly change the dynamic of the team, and for an organization that stressed a new identity -- it's a great way to do just that.
Toronto could make a blockbuster deal for Jason Robertson -- if they pay the price
So the question becomes who do they trade for? Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos thinks they should make a serious push to bring in Dallas' Jason Robertson; but it's going to cost them.
In his recent article, Kypreos explained that the Maple Leafs could end up making a big swing given the situation in Dallas, and Toronto could end up paying his massive salary demands next year.
Kypreos warned fans however that it would cost the Maple Leafs one of their last chances at growing their next homegrown star:
One idea floating around the league is a bigger swing involving Dallas - specifically Jason Robertson.
Contract talks there haven't been smooth, where Robertson is believed to be looking for north of $12 million a year, more than what Mikko Rantanen got.
That's not an easy number for the Stars. Toronto could pay it, but the question is the cost of acquisition. Cowan, Ben Danford, plus more - likely an off-season conversation rather than a deadline one.
But it's the kind of move that would actually change the Leafs' makeup. Whether they have the stomach for it is another matter.
Contract talks there haven't been smooth, where Robertson is believed to be looking for north of $12 million a year, more than what Mikko Rantanen got.
That's not an easy number for the Stars. Toronto could pay it, but the question is the cost of acquisition. Cowan, Ben Danford, plus more - likely an off-season conversation rather than a deadline one.
But it's the kind of move that would actually change the Leafs' makeup. Whether they have the stomach for it is another matter.
Not only would it give the Maple Leafs a true superstar alongside Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Matthew Knies, and John Tavares but it would also reunite him with his younger brother Nick; who is currently heating up in Toronto.
That may be a huge advantage for the Maple Leafs knowing that Robertson would entertain a move north knowing that he would get a chance to play with his brother.
Why Jason Robertson may be worth the cost
While he would certainly cost a lot in terms of assets and a future contract, there's a good reason why.
Robertson, 26, has 52 points in 43 games this season (25 goals, 27 assists) while adding a plus-17 rating and 22 power-play points (10 goals, 12 assists) and playing elite defense.
For his career, Robertson has 446 points in 417 games (193 goals, 253 assists) which includes back-to-back 40-goal seasons. He's an underrated superstar who has been a key part of Dallas' recent success.
A top-six with Robertson in the mix might be enough to push the Maple Leafs over the top and through past the second round of the playoffs. But it's going to come at the cost of Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, and potentially a lot more.
Whether or not that ends up being worth it in the long run is anyone's guess.
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