Auston Matthews remains the central figure for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but following Mitch Marner’s departure, the franchise is still looking to solidify a strong top-six. While Matthews leads the offense, the franchise must decide whether Nick Robertson fits into their long-term plans.
Despite signing a one-year, $1.825 million extension that avoided a tense arbitration hearing, Robertson appears to be a candidate to leave this offseason. The Maple Leafs are reportedly considering including him in a trade for a more impactful offensive forward.
Matthews is signed to a long-term deal and there’s an implicit demand to build a powerful offensive unit around him. To achieve that, Toronto could pursue a sign-and-trade scenario involving Robertson. However, given the current landscape, the debate surrounding the 23-year-old player continues to grow.
Should Robertson remain with the Maple Leafs?
TSN analyst Aaron Korolnek expressed skepticism about Robertson’s future in Toronto. “I don’t think he fits with the Maple Leafs,” Korolnek said on Overdrive 1050. All signs suggest the Leafs will need to look elsewhere for a reliable offensive piece to line up alongside Matthews.
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.
“I wonder if he’s on the team opening night. I’m very skeptical. It just seems like it’s time. He’s been a healthy scratch so many times. For $1.8 million, the guy scored 15 goals. You want to keep him around. You don’t want to just cut him, but you need something commensurate with that value,” Korolnek also said.
see also
NHL News: Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs reportedly left with no choice but to move on from one of key depth trio
Robertson’s impact on the Maple Leafs
Robertson scored 15 goals and recorded 22 points in 69 games last season, but his role within the lineup remained inconsistent. He wasn’t called up for the playoffs, was a healthy scratch multiple times, and his performance raised questions about whether he fits into the structured, two-way system emphasized by head coach Craig Berube.
