Report: Maple Leafs' Nick Robertson Requested a Trade
Nick Robertson made it very clear during his exit interview that it's time for his next NHL chapter.
According to sources connected to the Maple Leafs, Robertson was very transparent during his exit interview, informing the folks he met with that he feels a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs at this point of his career, and he prefers to be traded at some point this offseason.
This isn't the first time Robertson asked out, as former GM Brad Treliving tried to ship him to Columbus but the Blue Jackets wouldn't agree, and then no other trade talks materialized.
Elliotte Friedman: "Toronto is investigating options for Nick Robertson. At some point in the summer, they pitched a move for Yegor Chinakhov, but that wasn’t to the Blue Jackets’ liking" - Sportsnet (10/23)
Robertson once again went through an inconsistent season of usage, as former Leafs head coach Craig Berube couldn't seem to find the pesky winger a home within Toronto's middle six. Robertson managed to finish the season scoring a career high 16 goals and 32 points in 68 games, playing just 12:39 of ice-time, which is actually also a career high. Robertson's game has evolved a ton over the course of the last three seasons as Berube wanted him to get harder on the puck, and within puck battles, and Robertson's done a great job to put a little bit more weight on, while also playing tougher in the dirty areas of the ice.
The former second-round pick is in for an interesting offseason as he's a pending restricted free agent, and we'll have to wait and see how the whole qualifying offer process looks, and then if a trade, and long-term contract extension are in the near future. With John Chayka running the Maple Leafs now and with Easton Cowan having a coming out party last year, and with Gavin McKenna likely on the way with the number-one pick, Robertson continues to be pushed down a peg in Toronto.
Don't be surprised to see Robertson dealt this summer. The Maple Leafs are looking to reshape their blueline, while also adding a top-line right winger, and bottom-six center. Robertson could be packaged to fill one of these needs, and if it was up to him, he'd join forces with his brother Jason on Dallas, or any other team for that matter.
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
