Key Takeaways:
– Disenchanted Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward, Nicholas Robertson, shows up on Calgary Flames trade radar.
– As a restricted free agent, Robertson declines extension from the Maple Leafs, seeking a new NHL home.
– The young player’s addition could bolster the Flames’ squad, should they decide to pursue him.
Headed for a Maple Leafs Exit: Nicholas Robertson
As the trade market heats up, Nicholas Robertson of the Toronto Maple Leafs, may be packing his skates to join the Calgary Flames. Following a disappointing tenure with the Leafs, the 22-year-old winger is seeking greener pastures to further his National Hockey League (NHL) career.
Rumblings of the potential trade first emerged when Julian McKenzie of The Athletic tagged the Flames as a team to watch. The Calgary Flames have been eyeing young talents, and Robertson’s profile aligns perfectly with their hunt for players within the 18-23 age range.
“Robertson is at least worth a look,” McKenzie noted. He added, however, that whether the Flames act on this interest remains an unfoldng story.
Restricted Free Agency and the Qualifying Offer
The Leafs made a qualifying offer to Robertson on July 1, with the expiration of his entry-level three year, $2.39 million contract. This move turned Robertson into a restricted free agent. Unfortunately, the forward had previously informed the Leafs of his intention not to sign an extension, hinting at his desired exit.
Trusted TSN source, Chris Johnston, confirmed this when he reported, “Sources say that RFA Nick Robertson has no plans to re-sign with the #leafs this summer and has informed the team that he would like to be traded.”
Since being drafted at No. 53 in 2019, Robertson has participated in 87 regular-season games and 10 postseason outings with the franchise. Across these games in the 2023-24 season, he managed to rack up 35 total points.
Potential Flames Transfer: An Opening Opportunity?
As speculation simmers about Robertson’s next move, the Flames could provide him with a fresh platform to showcase his skills. The Flames, with potential openings alongside Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman, could offer Robertson more consistent minutes, something he yearns for based on McKenzie’s report.
“Robertson, ultimately, just wants another opportunity where he can play more consistent minutes,” McKenzie explained. To this end, the Flames might be the perfect stop.
Maple Leafs Still Keen on Robertson Stay
When the report of Robertson’s evident discontent emerged, Maple Leafs’ general manager, Brad Treliving responded cautiously. Despite recognizing Robertson’s grievances, Treliving expressed interest in keeping him on board, citing the player’s essential value to the Leafs.
However, keeping the player in Toronto might be a hard sell. Robertson’s agent mentioned lack of contract-extension talks during an interview with Sportsnet’s Luke Fox at the end of the 2024 regular season. A clear sign of the player’s discontent in Toronto.
Future Flames Firepower or Maple Leafs Retainment?
As the 2024 summer events unfold, and with the NHL buzzing with trade possibilities, will Calgary make a move for the young winger, or can Toronto convince him to stay?
By extending a qualifying offer, the Leafs secured a right to match any contract offer that another team extends to Robertson. They could still try and convince the player to stay, especially with the recent loss of Tyler Bertuzzi to the Chicago Blackhawks, opening a space that Robertson could potentially fill.
Despite all this, it seems the ball is in Robertson’s court. Either way, his career decision will undoubtedly light up the NHL trade market in the coming months.