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

The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the brink of finalizing their roster for the 2025–26 NHL season. Still, that’s not to say the organization won’t keep an ear open for any potential moves. One of the last orders of business involves the only restricted free agent on Auston Matthews‘ team, who has filed for salary arbitration. On that note, reports suggest the Leafs may have made up their minds.

Restricted free agent Nicholas Robertson has filed for salary arbitration as he enters his sixth NHL season. According to The Hockey News, the hearings for players who filed for an arbitrator’s interference run from July 20 to August 4. Therefore, the Maple Leafs are on the clock.

If the Maple Leafs cannot reach an agreement with Matthews’ teammate, they’ll have to accept the arbitrator’s verdict. Or decline it—but Robertson would in turn become an unrestricted free agent.

Standing at 5’9″, the left-winger is not exactly built like Treliving’s ideal player. The general manager in Toronto is known to favor bigger forwards, as the additions of Dakota Joshua and Nicholas Roy demonstrate. However, Robertson has more than earned his ice time in The Six, and the Leafs are reportedly looking forward to keeping him in town.

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.

Not the size of the dog in the fight

“[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.

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NHL News: Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving’s past reportedly preventing Auston Matthews from getting Mitch Marner’s replacement

“With the departure of Mitch Marner, Toronto may want to keep Robertson,” The Hockey News’ Michael Augello said. “[Either] with multiple years under control, or at least settle with him to facilitate a trade.“

Heart of a lion

The younger brother of Dallas Stars’ Jason Robertson, is not among the biggest players in the Leafs’ locker room. In fact, he is currently the smallest skater on the team. Still, his grit and passion definitely make up for his lack of size. As well, as his goalscoring touch, which the Maple Leafs have great use for.

Playing in the bottom-six, the 23-year-old posted 22 points in 69 games during the 2024-25 NHL season. He found the back of the net 15 times, while he assisted a teammate of his in 7 occasions. With Marner’s exit, Robertson might be called upon to elevate his production, especially if the Leafs make a firm commitment by re-signing the young forward to a long-term deal.