Top Maple Leafs prospect may be on the verge of asking for a trade

Nick Robertson has not gotten off to best start for his career with the Leafs. A series of injuries have kept him off the roster while other prospects such as Matthew Knies and Fraser Minten have seemingly passed him on the depth chart. As such, Robertson's opportunities to make the Leafs may be very limited.

NHL Insider Suggests Robertson May Request Trade

NHL insider Elliotte Freidman reported on 32 thoughts today that Robertson is unhappy playing in the AHL and will likely request a trade soon if he isn't called up. He also noted that the Leafs would have liked him as the 13th forward but the team is incapable of rostering 13 forwards at the moment thanks to their cap situation.

Dropping Down the Depth Chart

Robertson's best chance to get a call up might come in November as the Leafs will have a big decision to make regarding Fraser Minten, who shocked everyone by making the team out of camp. Minten, 19, is ineligible to play in the AHL this year so if the team wants to preserve his entry-level contract another year they will be forced to send him back to junior hockey in the WHL.

In order to preserve his contract status, Minten cannot play more than nine games this year. The Leaf's 9th game of the season will be on Halloween night.


It is unclear what Robertson's value is at this point but the Leafs could use a prospect on defense as the organization is thin at that position. Perhaps they can get a prospect back who is in a similar situation with their current club.

As seen on Insider reveals that a young Leaf may request trade if not called up soon