Nick Robertson’s summer has been a rare bright spot for the Maple Leafs, capped by a contract bump to 1.83 million and a personal milestone. Yet the big question remains: will Toronto maximize his shine as they navigate life after Mitch Marner? Robertson’s track record—strong capacity to beat goalies and a five-on-five goals-per-60 metric that sits behind Auston Matthews only—sets the stage for a potential breakout, provided he earns regular ice time in a battle-tested, depth-laden lineup.

Toronto’s identity this season will hinge on internal competition more than a single big move. With Matthews, Nylander, Tavares, and Knies likely locks on the top lines, eight forward roles are still up for grabs as Brad Treliving reshapes the roster. Robertson’s path is a reminder that no Leafs contract guarantees a role; patience and performance in training camp will decide who earns the minutes, especially as Liljegren’s own trajectory shows how quickly a seat can become precarious if production stalls.

Marner’s departure to Vegas has the Leafs casting for secondary scoring and a stabilizing presence on the wings. Robertson’s willingness to push for a career year is tempered by the reality of competition from a deep pool of depth forwards. The Panthers’ recent title run and Toronto’s internal tug-of-war over ice time underscore a season where every shift matters and where Robertson’s breakout could be the hinge on which Toronto’s offense swings in 2024-25.

Jay Rosehill has voiced his concerns over the Toronto Maple Leafs' recent contract extension for Nicholas Robertson, who is set to earn $1.825 million for one year just before arbitration. While the move may have spared Robertson from a contentious arbitration process, it also raises questions about his role within a deep Leafs roster where he likely faces competition for a bottom-six position.

Rosehill pointed out that despite the financial uplift, Robertson's spot on the team is far from secure, suggesting that the Leafs may still consider moving him before the contract's end. Compounding this uncertainty is the potential for waivers, with Rosehill speculating that Robertson could end up playing with the AHL's Toronto Marlies if he doesn't secure a regular spot on the NHL roster.

Nick Robertson's recent one-year, $1.825 million extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs is already facing scrutiny. Analysts, including TSN’s Aaron Korolnek, question whether the 23-year-old forward will even make the opening night roster. Despite a career-high 15-goal season last year, Robertson's inconsistency raises concerns about his future with the team, particularly as the Leafs pursue bigger, more stable options on the wings.

Korolnek suggests that trade offers for Robertson may soon materialize, with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets as potential suitors. Given his salary and performance, a trade could align with Toronto's plans as they navigate their offseason strategy.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' forward Nick Robertson is generating buzz in NHL trade discussions, particularly regarding potential moves to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets. With his arbitration settled at $1.825 million, the Leafs are in a delicate position, needing to offload players to manage their roster effectively. Penguins' GM Kyle Dubas is familiar with Robertson, which adds intrigue to a possible trade.

Alternatively, Columbus fans have speculated about a trade involving Yegor Chinakhov for Robertson, though it seems Toronto may need to part with additional assets to finalize such a deal. As the offseason progresses, the Leafs have pressing decisions to make, while both Columbus and Pittsburgh could enhance their rosters with the right strategic moves.