Nick Robertson Isn't Committing to Re-Signing With Maple Leafs

Sunday, April 19, 2026

The Toronto Maple Leafs put on a dismal performance throughout the entire regular season, missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs in surprising fashion. Forward Nick Robertson is one of the many players who aren't likely to return next season, and as a pending restricted free agent, Robertson isn't shy talking about the elephant in the room.

Robertson spoke to the media to finish out the year, and made it very clear, he's unsure what the future holds. The pesky winger has been in and out of the lineup for years, struggling to cement himself a top-six role, or top-nine role for that matter, and now, he may finally get his wish. Robertson's asked for a trade multiple times and Brad Treliving kept denying him. With Treliving gone, and Craig Berube likely being replaced, perhaps the new regime could like Robertson for a bigger role, but it's obvious, he's not holding his breath.

Robertson appeared in 78 games this season, scoring 16 goals and 16 assists, averaging just 12:39 of ice-time per game. He's evolved his game into being more physical and more defensively sound, but it's never resulted in more consistency with his minutes. He has every right to be frustrated.

The Maple Leafs offered Robertson to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Yegor Chinakhov earlier in the season, but the Blue Jackets held out for a bigger offer from the Pittsburgh Penguins. It's very likely that Robertson is going to ask for a trade this summer, and with a retool needed more than ever, don't be surprised to see Robertson moved for a third-line center.

Photo credit: Bob Lee, Imagn Images

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