Maple Leafs' Robertson Getting Interest From Sharks & More Teams Out West

The Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks make for pretty good trade partners. The teams are in separate conferences, and while one is competing and either looking to buy or dump contracts, the other is willing to take contracts, have open cap space, and is selling.

There could be traction on another deal between the two involving Nick Robertson, as Cam Robinson reported that Robertson remains a name to watch on the trade front and he's "hearing that multiple Western Conference teams have shown interest in the Leafs' winger, including San Jose."

The Maple Leafs have already cut down their roster, which includes sending David Kampf through waivers and to the AHL. With that, Robertson could be in the opening night lineup and playing on the fourth line. He had 15 goals and 22 points in 69 games last season while only averaging 12 minutes per game. I don't think he is going to get much more ice time with this Maple Leafs team this season.

The Sharks would be a great place for Robertson to go as they are really thin up front this season. Between forwards like Colin Graf, Philipp Kurashev, Ryan Reaves, and Barclay Goodrow, Robertson would absolutely have a place in that lineup to be an everyday player and potentially reach his potential with a better opportunity.

What may be holding up a deal with the Sharks and other teams is the value the Maple Leafs are placing on Robertson. As a team trying to win the Stanley Cup, it is tough to juggle consistently playing someone who may not be one of the best 12 forwards every night and giving him more of a shot to show his value while also looking to win and putting out the best lineup each game. This song and dance has gone on long enough with Toronto and Robertson, so a trade should be coming this season. The Sharks seem like the obvious destination, but as mentioned, there is other interest and injuries around the league that could play a factor.