NHL News: After tense negotiations, Maple Leafs have reportedly made up their minds on Auston Matthews' teammate

It wasn’t easy, but the Toronto Maple Leafs avoided salary arbitration with Nicholas Robertson. However, working out an extension might be only the first step in Toronto’s plan. As reports hint, Auston Matthews and company might be waving goodbye to more players in the NHL offseason.

The road to the 2025-26 NHL season has been one full of bumps and bruises for Matthews’ Maple Leafs. Regardless, it will all be worth it if it strengthens the team’s character and leads to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in over half a century.

On that note, the nerve-wracking contract dispute with restricted free agent (RFA) Robertson might’ve been a part of the growing pains Toronto needed to push through. However, re-signing the young winger to a one-year, $1.825M contract could only be the first step on a bigger plan.

Similarly to Mitch Marner—yet so different in many ways—reports state the Buds would be eyeing another sign-and-trade scenario. Robertson isn’t the only player seemingly headed for the exit door, though.

Nick Robertson #89 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 28, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

“From our calculations, there’s no room for Robertson, [Michael] Pezzetta and [David] Kampf right now,” The Hockey News’ Adam Proteau stated. “And that’s even if [Easton] Cowan plays for the American League’s Toronto Marlies next season. And that’s why people are wondering if Kampf, Jarnkrok, and Robertson are going to be on the trade block, if they’re not already there.”

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NHL News: Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs end tense situation by signing potential Mitch Marner replacement to extension

Check your calendar

The Maple Leafs are in no desperate need to deal either of the trio away, but it could become an urgent matter deep into the 2025-26 NHL regular season. On that note, GM Brad Treliving and the Leafs’ front office would be wise to get moving early.

“So, between now and training camp, don’t be shocked to see the Maple Leafs make a couple more roster moves,” Proteau added. “They’re under the cap ceiling right now, with $1.9 million in cap space. But they’ll need to accrue more cap space to be a mover-and-shaker at the trade deadline.”

There’s always room to grow

As things stand, the Maple Leafs have a roster deep enough to contend for the Atlantic Division title. The real concerns for the Buds lie in their performance during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They’ve assembled a solid lineup, adding physicality with the acquisitions of Dakota Joshua and Nicholas Roy, among others.

Still, the Leafs would like to surround Matthews with more top-six talent—and there may be no better time to do that than at the trade deadline. Until then, Toronto’s mission is a two-step process: stay healthy and clear up cap space for when the moment calls to make a splash.