Trade Rumours Between Stars and Maple Leafs Intensify After Weeks of Speculation

It seems like the Toronto Maple Leafs are always at the center of trade discussions, whether they are discussed by reporters, news networks, or fans, and it now looks like a trade may be imminent.

Nick Robertson and Timothy Liljegren had great expectations for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2024-2025. After a few disappointing years under Sheldon Keefe, Robertson is attempting to show off his unrealized potential, while Liljegren was attempting to earn his place among the plethora of Toronto defensemen on their depth chart. After months of conjecture, Robertson re-signed in the summer, but despite the new deal, many analysts think he could still be shipped out of town.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that Jim Nill, the general manager of the Dallas Stars, was one of 14 people who attended the game between the Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs, suggesting that trade negotiations may be about to pick up steam in Toronto.

Teams sending out scouts to look at Robertson, a reliable Top-6 forward, and Liljegren, a former first-round pick, is not surprising. Despite their best efforts, neither man has yet been given the opportunity. Although he has displayed moments of genius, Liljegren is occasionally a defensive liability and wasn't the best playmaker Toronto believed they had when they selected him 17th overall in the 2017 draft. In retrospect, this offseason, they re-signed him, which may have been a good or bad move. One of the teams more strongly associated with Liljegren has been Dallas, so it wouldn't be shocking if they attempted to send a package for both Maple Leafs players.

In contrast, Nick Robertson had a strong season with little playing time last season, averaging less than 12 minutes of ice time per night and recording 14 goals and 13 assists. Although he hasn't yet reached his full potential, he has it in him to be one of the league's best wingers.

One intriguing fact about this whole trade rumor situation is that the Dallas Stars are considering acquiring one or both of these players. The fact that Dallas currently employs Nick Robertson's older brother, Jason Robertson, makes them intriguing; maybe they anticipate a family reunion soon.