Robertson reportedly requested a trade from Toronto, but the Leafs GM didn't confirm it, instead selling the opportunity that awaits his young player.
Robertson reportedly requested a trade from Toronto, but the Leafs GM didn't confirm it, instead selling the opportunity that awaits his young player.
There was a bit of a bombshell revealed late Sunday night when TSN's Chris Johnston reported that Nick Robertson had no intention of signing a contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs and had requested a trade.
During an availability on Zoom with reporters following the first day of NHL free agency, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving didn't confirm or deny the report but acknowledged that the player had been unhappy.
"I obviously have known that there was some frustration with Nick on his behalf," Treliving said. "We look at Nick as an excellent player and there's a great opportunity for Nick here and we need him to be a good player for us."
The Maple Leafs extended Robertson a qualifying offer of $813,750 (105 percent of his base salary for 2023-24) on Sunday after he completed his best season in the NHL, scoring 14 goals and adding 13 assists in 56 games. But he was limited to just one playoff game this season, He rarely saw any power play time on the team's seldom-used second unit. And his contract status saw him spend 10 days off the roster as the team maneuvered around salary-cap gymnastics.
Although Robertson is a restricted free agent, he doesn't have much leverage over his current situation. With no arbitration rights, he has to be prepared to risk missing a season if he doesn't sign a contract by December 1. The Leafs, of course, would rather have Robertson in the fold at a fair price.
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There certainly isn't any rush from the Leafs to act, but based on Treliving's comments, it's clear they'd rather have a happy Robertson in the fold.
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