Nick Robertson still hasn't agreed on a new deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs and reportedly still wants out. Speculation suggests that's easier said than done.

Most off-season trade speculation involving the Toronto Maple Leafs focused on Mitch Marner and John Tavares. Neither player moved because of their expensive contracts and no-movement clauses.

The weeks of conjecture over Marner and Tavares overshadowed a growing standoff between Leafs management and RFA Nick Robertson.

In March, Robertson told The Hockey News' David Alter and reporters of his frustration about being sent down to the Marlies in a cost-cutting move. Earlier this summer, Robertson informed the Leafs he had no intention of signing a new contract and requested a trade. 

At the time, GM Brad Treliving acknowledged the 22-year-old winger's unhappiness over his limited playing time. He considers Robertson an “excellent player” with a great opportunity to earn a full-time roster spot after finishing last season with a career-best 14 goals and 27 points in 56 games despite seeing limited minutes. 

Earlier this week, TSN's Chris Johnston reported Robertson still prefers playing elsewhere. He pointed out that the youngster has little leverage other than holding out in the hope that it will pressure the Leafs to move him.

The Hockey News' Adam Proteau recognized Robertson's frustration but believes he wouldn't be well-served skipping training camp and the start of the season. With the Leafs holding the hammer in this situation, Proteau felt it best for Robertson to “sign a short-term contract, work his tail off and see what transpires from there.”

Teams in the market for a young forward with scoring potential could be monitoring Robertson's situation.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now's Dan Kingerski reported Penguins GM Kyle Dubas “really likes Robertson.” During his tenure as Leafs GM, Dubas selected him in the second round of the 2019 NHL draft.

Kingerski doubted the Penguins would sign Robertson to an offer sheet because the Leafs would match it. As for a trade, he felt the Leafs would have to get a player of value in return.

In early July, The Hockey News' Stefen Rosner and Kai Russell looked at moving Oliver Wahlstrom for Robertson, saying the former needs a change of scenery and the latter wants one. They said Robertson could bring some offense for a bargain, although they felt the Leafs would want more than just Wahlstom in return.

NYI Hockey Now's Russ Macias also suggested Robertson could make sense for the Islanders, slotting in as a middle-six winger while adding youth to their lineup.

Macias proposed offering Wahlstrom, Simon Holmstrom and a low-range draft pick. The players carry a combined cap hit of $1.85 million, but the Leafs have just $1.275 million in cap room. 

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