NHL Trade Rumors: Maple Leafs' Nick Robertson Prefers Trade to 1 of 4 Teams

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Nick Robertson is apparently ready to move on from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The former second-round pick was all over the Leafs lineup this season, as head coach Craig Berube loved harping on Robertson, but didn't necessarily provide him with a consistent role on a specific line. Instead, Robertson was up and down the lineup, and wound up ending the year appearing in 78 games and scoring 16 goals, and 16 assists.

Despite the lack of definitive role, Robertson played a career high in minutes at 12:39 per night, however, he's a pending restricted free agent and isn't shy to point out he's got no idea what the future holds. Robertson asked to be traded last summer by the Leafs and Brad Treliving said no, so without a GM in place now, and with a bunch of questions in the air, Robertson is rumored to want out, and prefers either playing in Dallas with his brother, or for one of the California teams.

The Leafs have Matthew Knies and Easton Cowan coming back in the top-six left-wing slots, and since Robertson doesn't play down the middle of the ice, the pesky winger is limited to where he can play in the Leafs lineup. It makes complete sense for the Leafs to move on Robertson and either try to land a third-line center in return, or a top-four defenceman, who can help run the power play. They just may need to package something else to secure exactly what they need to move the needle in Toronto.

Robertson appears done in Toronto, don't be shocked for an offseason trade coming soon.

Photo credit: Bob Lee, Imagn Images 

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