After months of speculation and a trade request from Nicholas Robertson on July 1, the young forward has ultimately re-signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs for a one-year contract. The journey to this agreement was more complex than initially anticipated.
TSN insider Pierre LeBrun shared details of the situation during an appearance on TSN’s “OverDrive” on September 12. According to LeBrun, Robertson’s decision to re-sign came after a candid discussion with his agent, Pat Brisson. Brisson reportedly informed Robertson that despite their efforts, there were no viable trade options available. This revelation led Robertson to reassess his position and accept the Leafs’ offer of $875,000 for the upcoming season.
LeBrun noted that this realization was a challenging one for the 22-year-old forward. Robertson’s limited NHL experience, coupled with frequent injuries and inconsistent playing time, had made it difficult for the Maple Leafs to find a trading partner. LeBrun emphasized that there was simply no market for Robertson at that time. Understanding this, Robertson chose to stay with Toronto, recognizing that his best opportunity to showcase his abilities lay with the team.
Despite being under contract for the next season, Robertson’s spot on the team is not guaranteed. General Manager Brad Treliving addressed this uncertainty during a press briefing on September 12. Treliving emphasized that Robertson needs to develop into a “complete player” to secure a place in the Leafs’ lineup. He expressed that everyone on the team must earn their position, and this includes Robertson.
Treliving also mentioned his ongoing communication with Robertson throughout the summer, underscoring the need for all players to prove their worth on the ice. As the new season approaches, Robertson faces a crucial period to demonstrate his value to the Maple Leafs and solidify his role with the team.