NHL News: After Mitch Manrer's dramatic exit, clock is ticking for Maple Leafs to reach agreement with Auston Matthews' teammate

The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to put the drama behind them and focus on the 2025–26 NHL season — especially after learning a hard lesson from Mitch Marner’s recent departure. However, with a date now set for the team to work out a deal with one of Auston Matthews‘ teammates, chaos might already be knocking at the door.

The clock is ticking, and the Maple Leafs must answer the bell. It seems tension is mounting in Hogtown — or perhaps it never waned. Matthews and company know the work is cut out for them in the 2025-26 NHL season.

After Marner was traded away to the Vegas Golden Knights, there is a void for the Maple Leafs in the top-six. With no clear-cut solution available in the NHL free agency, Toronto is left with trading as its best option. However, the Leafs must first address a big decision with one of Matthews’ teammates.

Get moving

Nick Robertson has filed for salary arbitration, as the restricted free agent and the Maple Leafs have yet to agree on an extension. The NHL has now confirmed the official date for the arbitration hearing, putting pressure on Toronto to strike a deal beforehand, accept the arbitrator’s decision or let Robertson become an unrestricted free agent.

Nick Robertson #89 of the Toronto Maple Leafs warms up prior to playing against the Calgary Flames in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

As reported by @PuckPedia on X, Robertson’s hearing is set for August 3. The Leafs can still negotiate with the 23-year-old forward and reach a deal beforehand, but the clock is ticking.

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NHL News: Despite Brad Treliving’s preferences, Maple Leafs reportedly made up their minds about Auston Matthews’ RFA teammate

Want him to stay

Robertson’s size doesn’t align with GM Brad Treliving’s roster preferences. Yet, the young winger has demonstrated a goal-scoring ability the Leafs simply can’t ignore — especially after Marner’s departure from the organization. The two things can be true.

“[Robertson], a diminutive scorer does not fit with Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving’s penchant for bigger players, but the 23-year-old has scored in double figures the last two seasons in limited ice time under Sheldon Keefe and Craig Berube. With the departure of Mitch Marner, Toronto may want to keep Robertson,” The Hockey News’ Michael Augello stated. “[Either] with multiple years under control, or at least settle with him to facilitate a trade.“