Just because Nick Robertson has requested a trade, it doesn’t mean that the Leafs should be inclined to do anything at all.
In fact, at this point, it would be in their best interest to keep the 22-year-old winger around indefinitely.
Since making a plethora of significant moves leading up to and on July 1, Brad Treliving and company have been extremely quiet. Even though it’s fair to state that a good portion of the heavy lifting is now complete, there’s no question that they will continue to look for ways to better the roster between now and training camp.
One thing is for certain: They’re looking for help up front —especially with Tyler Bertuzzi departing for Chicago.
That’s where Nick Robertson enters the equation.
By all accounts, the 2019 second rounder wants out because he’s looking for an uptick in playing time. Well, Sheldon Keefe is gone, and Craig Berube is now in charge. In the grand scheme of things, it would make a lot of sense for Robertson to get a significant look with the big boys in the top-six. Rather than trying to plug that hole externally, Toronto has someone currently on their roster who’s more than capable. As has been the case from Day 1, it would be up to Robertson – yet again – to prove his worth.
As time progresses in the offseason, for a variety of reasons, it would make a lot of sense for the Maple Leafs to go this particular direction. Firstly, unfortunately, Robertson doesn’t have much trade value right now. If you go ahead and move him, you’re not getting much in return. Secondly, he’s just 22 —even though it’s felt like he’s been around for 15 seasons.
Maybe Berube can get through to him?
Hell, clearly, management feels that the new coach can straighten out the star players, so working with a young buck who struggles with consistency issues should be a walk in the park.
In the grand scheme of things, there’s no point in forcing a trade. Furthermore, they’re probably scouring the market for a similar player, so why not give Robertson another look, and reassess the situation at a later date.
Just because they’ve identified a need on the roster, it doesn’t mean that they have to go and fill it immediately. For the moment, slow playing the situation makes the most sense.
