Maple Leafs Re-sign Young Efficient Winger

Robertson is turning 23 on Wednesday and has been the center of trade rumors.

Chris Johnston from TSN and The Athletic reported that Robertson wanted out of Toronto and had no plans to re-sign with the Leafs this summer. His name came up in trade talks last season, but he stayed put after February’s deadline passed.

Two weeks ago, Johnston said Robertson still wanted a trade. But Luke Fox from Sportsnet mentioned last week that he didn’t expect Robertson to be traded before camp, cooling down the speculation. There’s still time for things to change before training camps start next week. With his cap hit now clear for 2024-25, it might be easier for GM Brad Treliving to finalize a deal. However, Robertson could stay with the Leafs when opening night rosters are set. Treliving has kept communication open with Robertson while exploring moves this summer, as Darren Dreger from TSN noted. New coach Craig Berube will also give him a fresh start.

If he stays, Robertson could have a breakout season . Last year was his first full NHL campaign since being drafted in 2019’s second round. He scored 14 goals and made 13 assists in 56 games while playing just over 11 minutes per game without much power play time. At even strength, his scoring rate was one of the best in the league at 1.34 goals per 60 minutes—right up there with stars like David Pastrňák and Kyle Connor.

Future Prospects:

Fans might think it’s exciting to see where he’ll end up next season! Although his shooting percentage may drop from last year’s high of 14.6%, more ice time and special teams play under Berube should help balance things out. He was on track for 40 points if he’d played all 82 games last season—a number he could surpass if given more top-six opportunities.

With Tyler Bertuzzi joining the Blackhawks and Matthew Knies likely starting alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner on the first line, there’s an open second-line spot with William Nylander and John Tavares that Robertson could claim.

The one-year deal makes him an RFA again next summer without arbitration rights . The Leafs now have just over $400K in projected cap space with one roster spot open according to PuckPedia. Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet was first to report that the Leafs were expected to announce a deal for Robertson on Tuesday.

What do you think about all these changes?