Trade pitch emerges dealing Nick Robertson in possible move to bring Noel Acciari from the Pittsburgh Penguins
Photo credit: AP
A recent trade proposal suggests the Toronto Maple Leafs may offload Nick Robertson in exchange for bringing Noel Acciari back into the fold.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are navigating a tricky situation with forward Nick Robertson, asked for a trade after becoming increasingly dissatisfied with his role.
One fan-generated trade concept has Robertson heading to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a familiar face, Noel Acciari.
The proposed trade, created through PuckPedia's PuckGM tool, would see Toronto send Robertson and a 2027 sixth-round pick to Pittsburgh, receiving Acciari and a 2027 fourth-round pick from the Rangers in return. This trade could meet Robertson's desire for a fresh start while offering Toronto the chance to bring back a gritty forward in Acciari.
A trade that makes sense for both sides
This potential deal could benefit both teams. Toronto would grant Robertson his trade request, while reuniting with Acciari, who brings energy and penalty-killing ability. In the exchange, Toronto would also pick up a slightly better draft pick, which adds to the appeal.
Currently in his second year of a three-year, $6 million contract with Pittsburgh, Acciari posted four goals and three assists in 55 games last season. He had a breakout offensive year in 2019-20 when he netted 20 goals. As for Robertson, the 22-year-old has shown promise but struggled to lock down a steady role with the Leafs, tallying 14 goals and 13 assists in 56 games last season.
Robertson's frustrations boil over
Nicholas Robertson has had a challenging journey since being drafted 53rd overall by Toronto in 2019. His inability to secure consistent ice time in the NHL has led to his request for a trade, hoping to find a team where he can fully realize his potential.
Despite Robertson's trade request, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving is hopeful about the young player's future.
«I have certainly known that there was some frustration with Nick, but we look at Nick as an excellent player,» Treliving said. «There is a great opportunity for Nick here. We need him to be a good player for us. I am not going to get into any speculation or public back-and-forth. We will just leave it at that and continue to move forward.»
Noel Acciari, who joined the Leafs from the Blues on February 17, 2023, made an impact with his physical play and penalty-killing. He scored four goals and added one assist in 23 regular-season games, plus two goals in 11 playoff appearances.
After his stint with Toronto, Acciari signed a three-year, $6 million contract with Pittsburgh. Over his NHL career, he has tallied 63 goals and 44 assists in 439 games. A potential trade could see Acciari return to Toronto, strengthening their bottom-six forward group.
This speculative trade highlights changing roster dynamics for both the Maple Leafs and Penguins, offering Robertson a fresh start and Toronto a chance to reacquire a valuable veteran.
| POLL | ||
21 AOUT | 316 ANSWERS Trade pitch emerges dealing Nick Robertson in possible move to bring Noel Acciari from the Pittsburgh Penguins Should the Toronto Maple Leafs trade Nick Robertson for Noel Acciari? | ||
| Yes | 173 | 54.7 % |
| No | 143 | 45.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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