Regarding Nick Robortson, the Toronto Maple Leafs have not yet made a choice. The mysterious forward asked for a trade earlier in the summer, and although there have been rumors lately that Robertson may be the subject of an offer sheet, nothing concrete has been announced as of yet.
As of yet this summer, the Toronto Maple Leafs have not granted his request, either due to inability or probable unwillingness. I’ll say it now: having a content and productive Robertson on the team is better for the club. He seems to have a high ceiling and is yet quite young.
However, if Robertson is set on something, then holding out for him would just make the impasse worse. It makes sense, of course, that the Leafs wouldn’t deal Robertson unless they received something of equal value in exchange.
However, the club will think about making the move if the proper offer presents itself.
Robertson is only 22 years old, and despite the excitement surrounding him when he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, he has not been able to maintain his health. That is not to argue that he cannot or will not fulfill. Simply said, he hasn’t lived up to the anticipation thus far.
The Leafs are unable to anticipate receiving a first-round selection or another elite talent in exchange for the injuries.
The Leafs may, at most, anticipate another prospect in a similar mold who is seeking a mid-round selection or a fresh start. Because of his potential, he is worth more to the Leafs than the lesser return on investment, which is why they aren’t in a rush to deal him.
The Leafs could only have to settle for a second-round selection at most. A third-round pick would be the most likely outcome. The Leafs are in win-now mode, so they have little motivation to work out a deal after that return.
The improbable but plausible possibility of receiving an offer sheet also exists.
That would virtually ensure that Robertson joins a new team in the autumn, but St. Louis is still a very uncommon option in the NHL, despite sending out two offer papers only last week.
In this case, an offer sheet might actually be the preferable course of action. Imagine this: the Toronto Maple Leafs would no longer bargain from a weak position. Rather, Robertson loses all leverage and the club takes control of the matter again. Unexpectedly, Robertson finds himself entangled in the conflict between the Leafs and whoever wants him.
