A Frustrated Nick Robertson Wants Out Of Toronto And Don Waddell Should Be First In Line

Nick Robertson is a dynamic young forward with a pretty good bloodline. He's the younger brother of Dallas Stars superstar Jason Robertson. 

Jason Robertson has been on another level for the Stars with a total of 314 points in 292 games. Unlike the elder Robertson, younger Nick hasn't had the opportunity to flourish like Jason has. Many people think, given the right opportunity, Nick could be on that star level like his brother. 

Playing in Toronto with guys like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander doesn't give a young player many chances to get on the score sheet. 

With that said, it looks as though Nick Robertson has asked out of Toronto, and Don Waddell should be first in line to make a pitch for him.

THN's Adam Proteau mentioned Columbus as one of three teams he'd like to see swing a trade for Robertson. Proteau says, "The Blue Jackets are in the early stages of another major rebuild, and that means there’s still going to be some jumbling within the roster. If Columbus GM Don Waddell deals veteran forward Boone Jenner, a spot in the Jackets’ top-six would open up, and the pressure on Robertson would not be nearly so onerous in a quiet hockey media market like Ohio."

Now, while I'll admit I'm not keen on the idea of trading the Captain out of Columbus, new GM Don Waddell has no allegiances to any of the players who were in town when he got here. Proteau also mentions that a return for Robertson could be a high draft pick or a "decent prospect." Columbus could make this trade without getting rid of the veteran presence, specifically the Captain. 

Don Waddell should be on the phone with Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving getting a deal done for the young forward. Waddell has plenty of prospects to choose from to send back to Toronto without sacrificing too much of the future. If it were me, I'd also not send a first-round draft pick, as it's expected that the Columbus pick will be top-10 again. 

Nick Robertson is described as an "energy forward", and one who "brings high energy and speed, and often disrupts opponents' play." 

Waddell has some work left to do with the roster and this should be one of the calls he makes. 

What do you think about Don Waddell being in the mix for Nick Robertson? Please share your thoughts on our forum.