Maple Leafs are eager to trade their former second-round pick.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are undoubtedly hoping to make a trade at the NHL Trade Deadline. Toronto is in playoff contention, but they are not a flawless club. However, they are reticent to surrender some of their best prospects. However, young NHL forward Nick Robertson may be another story.
The Maple Leafs are allegedly open to trading Robertson, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. Pagnotta says that Toronto continues to oppose trading top prospects Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten. Furthermore, they are reticent to give up their 2024 first-round draft pick.
Robertson is a former second-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. He has played 31 NHL games this season, scoring seven goals and 14 points. After nine games in the AHL, the 22-year-old has five goals and 11 points.
Why Maple Leafs could trade Nick Robertson
Toronto has needs throughout the ice. They could use more forward depth in their lineup, for example. Their most pressing need is on the blue line. You may argue that adding a goaltender would not hurt. However, their unwillingness to part with prospects or picks may limit their involvement at the NHL Trade Deadline.
This year, the Maple Leafs expressed interest in Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev. They also have an interest in Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton and defenseman Sean Walker, according to The Fourth Period. They also have their sights set on Anaheim Ducks rearguard Ilya Lyubushkin and Washington Capitals defenseman Joel Edmundson.
Being interested in a player is one thing. Trading for that player is a different beast completely. Furthermore, some of the players they are interested in may be expensive. Since the 2023 NHL Draft, Laughton has been projected as a first-round pick.
As a result, the Maple Leafs must part with something potentially valuable. This is when Nick Robertson comes into play. The former second-round pick has the potential to be a valuable NHL contributor. However, injuries plagued him early in his career. Maybe a change of scenery will help him get his game back on track.
The Maple Leafs will almost probably make a move before the 2024 NHL move Deadline. Let’s see whether they cut ways with Robertson to bolster their roster for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
