Maple Leafs now face tough call on Nick Robertson

Maple Leafs winger Nick Robertson’s situation keeps turning heads as the 2025-26 season approaches. Jonas Siegel of the Athletic recently explored three possible paths for the 24-year-old, with a trade emerging as the most likely scenario.

Robertson, still young and brimming with potential, isn’t exactly thrilled to be back in Toronto under his current circumstances. Playing time is uncertain, and it’s unclear whether the Maple Leafs can offer him a role that makes sense for both sides. Siegel argues that keeping Robertson around in this situation might not benefit the player or the team.

The big question is whether a team exists that’s willing to take on Robertson and his $1.85 million cap hit this season, with restricted free agency and potential arbitration looming next summer.

“If that team is out there, though, why wasn’t Robertson dealt already?” Siegel asks.

The answer likely mirrors last year’s offseason: Robertson hasn’t yet proven himself as a top-six forward. While he has a decent scoring touch and has worked to round out his game, he hasn’t consistently elevated his performance to a level that guarantees reliability in Toronto’s top lines. There is a massive void to fill for the Maple Leafs since the departure of Mitch Marner in a sign and trade deal with the Vegas Golden Knights, and it looks like Robertson would need to get it together soon.

For the Leafs and Robertson, it’s a balancing act. Keep him and risk limited impact and frustration, or move him and hope another team sees untapped potential where Toronto currently sees more questions and doubts than anything else.