Nick Robertson drops a bombshell regarding his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs
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After much speculation, it appears that Nick Robertson, a forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs, has reiterated his intention to seek a trade away from the team.
Despite potential opportunities for increased playing time on the left wing this season, Robertson remains committed to finding a new home.
In a recent discussion on "First Up" with Aaron Korolnek and Carlo Colaiacovo, TSN hockey insider Chris Johnston emphasized that the Maple Leafs are still grappling with Robertson's situation. Johnston noted that even with a clear path for Robertson to play a larger role this season, his reluctance to sign a new contract with Toronto complicates matters.
"I think, obviously, at this stage of the summer, the Leafs are still working through what happens with Nick Robertson, but there's a pretty clear path for him to be part of the mix at left wing, to potentially have a role that exceeds what he's had in the past," Johnston said. "But at this stage, Nick Robertson doesn't seem inclined to sign in Toronto and is sticking to the idea that he'd like to play somewhere else. And so I think they have to kind of sort that out first or as part of this."
Toronto is actively exploring alternative options for the left wing position, as reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Johnston's earlier reports from June revealed that Robertson had communicated his desire not to renew his contract and had formally requested a trade.
Selected 53rd overall by the Maple Leafs in 2019, Robertson's time with the team has been characterized by uneven performance and injuries. Although he made his NHL debut in the 2020 playoff bubble, he has since oscillated between the Leafs and their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.
Tensions peaked last season when salary cap constraints led to Robertson being demoted to the Marlies for 10 days. Opting to practice with the Leafs' injured return-to-play squad rather than report, Robertson voiced his frustration with the situation.
At 22, Robertson has notched 17 goals and 17 assists in 87 regular-season games with Toronto. As a restricted free agent, he has the option to sign an offer sheet with another team, but the Leafs have the right to match any offer. To stay eligible for NHL play this season, Robertson must secure a contract by December 1st, or he will be sidelined for the entire year.
Source: NHL.com
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