Bombshell dropped in Toronto about Nick Robertson’s pending trade

Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson keeps getting noticed on the trade block, but according to insider Darren Dreger, something has changed in Toronto’s front office. While Robertson could get an interesting return for the Maple Leafs, Dreger gets the sense that, despite suitors’ interest, the Leafs aren’t that willing to move him anymore.

“He would’ve been traded by now if the Leafs just wanted to get rid of him; I do think that there are teams across the league that are intrigued by his capability,” he explained on First Up earlier this week.

The Maple Leafs winger has yet to fully cement his spot on Toronto’s roster, but Dreger’s latest report could hint at a change for Robertson. Last season, Robertson recorded 15 goals and 22 points in 59 games. While he showed flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and frequent scratches left him on the outside looking in at times. But for now, he’s played in the nine of the team’s 10 games this season, and has collected a goal and an assist.

Perhaps the Maple Leafs have been struggling to find the perfect trade partner as well, one that will be willing to take on Robertson and his $1.85 million cap hit this season, especially with restricted free agency and potential arbitration on the horizon next summer…

At 24, Robertson still has time to develop into a reliable top-six forward and for now, it sounds like he could continue his development in Toronto with a chance to convince the Maple Leafs and their fanbase he is here to stay.