The Toronto Maple Leafs are making a captaincy change. The Hockey News breaks down why Auston Matthews will become the 26th captain in franchise history. Although Nick Robertson has signed a new deal with the Maple Leafs, there's still a possibility that he will be traded before the beginning of the 2024-25 season. According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, the belief is that the 22-year-old forward is more likely to be traded from Toronto than open the season with the organization. "Despite new contract, belief is Nick Robertson is still more likely to be traded than open the season with the #Leafs [https://x.com/hashtag/Leafs?src=hashtag_click]," Seravalli posted to X. "There is still solid interest in Robertson. And it's always easier to trade an asset under contract as opposed to an RFA, which helped him sign." Robertson requested a trade before free agency opened in July, per TSN's Chris Johnston [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/report-nick-robertson-informs-maple-leafs-he-will-not-re-sign-and-wishes-to-be-traded]. Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving was asked about the request on July 1, after the signing frenzy cooled down, and said there's a great chance for the young forward — a restricted free agent — to get a spot in Toronto's lineup next season. "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." TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/report-maple-leafs-restricted-free-agent-nick-robertson-still-would-prefer-a-change-of-address] on Sep. 5 that Robertson would still prefer "a change of address." However, on Monday, TSN's Darren Dreger reported that Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube assured the forward that there's a spot for him on the left wing. "I know that he had conversations with Craig Berube, the new coach of the Leafs, and Berube assured him that, look, 'Take a look at our left side, man.' Like there's nothing but opportunity in this lineup with the holes that they have there," Dreger said on TSN 1050's First Up on Monday. Robertson signed a one-year deal with Toronto on Tuesday morning worth $875,000. He had 14 goals and 13 assists in 56 games with the Maple Leafs last year — averaging 11:23 of ice time — the most games Robertson has ever played in an NHL season. The Pasadena, California native appeared in six of Toronto's seven playoff games against the Boston Bruins in the first round of the playoffs in the spring but didn't register a point. Toronto drafted Robertson in the second round (53rd overall) in the 2019 NHL Draft. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTk1MTUxMDE2NDM2ODQ0/cf1808c0-6a82-4298-9049-3eb2eae105b0.jpg] Related Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten Among Maple Leafs Named to Toronto's Prospects Showdown Roster in Montreal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/easton-cowan-fraser-minten-among-maple-leafs-named-to-torontos-prospects-showdown-roster-in-montreal] Report: Max Pacioretty and Jani Hakanpaa Next for Maple Leafs to Add to Roster Ahead of Training Camp Following Singing of Nick Robertson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/report-max-pacioretty-and-jani-hakanpaa-next-for-maple-leafs-to-add-to-roster-ahead-of-training-camp-following-singing-of-nick-robertson] Why Nick Robertson Broke His Stalemate With the Maple Leafs by Signing a One-Year Deal Ahead of Training Camp [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/why-nick-robertson-ended-broke-his-stalemate-with-the-maple-leafs-by-signing-a-one-year-deal-ahead-of-training-camp] News from THN.com Eight More NHL Goalies with New Creative Masks Ahead of the 2024-25 Season [https://thehockeynews.com/news/eight-more-nhl-goalies-with-new-creative-masks-ahead-of-the-2024-25-season] 'Universally Adored': Blue Jackets Players, GM Express Grief At Loss of Johnny Gaudreau, Brother [https://thehockeynews.com/news/universally-adored-blue-jackets-players-gm-express-grief-at-loss-of-johnny-gaudreau-brother] Opinion: Bruins Fans Should Feel Fortunate GM Sweeney Is On Case In Swayman Contract Saga [https://thehockeynews.com/news/opinion-the-bruins-should-feel-fortunate-gm-sweeney-is-handling-swaymans-contract-saga]
