NHL coaching camps are set to open later this month and one of many largest questions for the Toronto Maple Leafs is the standing of restricted free agent Nick Robertson.
The 22-year-old is a restricted free agent. Regardless of camps opening quickly, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun studies that the forward hasn’t backed away from his despite to be traded.
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“Nicely, the newest there’s that I am advised that he nonetheless would favor a change of deal with, but it surely’s been gradual happening that file,” LeBrun advised TSN Radio’s OverDrive present on Thursday. “He is received a fairly highly effective agent in Pat Brisson. However checking with a few completely different folks concerned at present, he is coaching again residence and ready for a decision. However the course of actually hasn’t moved alongside as quick, I believe, as his camp would love. So we’ll see the place that goes.”
Robertson is a restricted free agent. Shortly after the Maple Leafs prolonged him a qualifying supply, TSN’s Chris Johnston reported that Robertson made it clear he had no intention of signing with Toronto and requested a commerce.
Related: Report: Nick Robertson Informs Maple Leafs He Will Not Re-Sign and Wishes to be Traded
Chosen by the Maple Leafs within the second spherical (53rd) general on the 2019 NHL Draft, Robertson’s tenure began with a excessive, making his NHL debut within the 2020 NHL playoffs earlier than accidents and roster limitations slowed his growth.
Through the 2023-24 season, Robertson appeared to interrupt by way of, discovering himself in a stretch the place he performed frequently on a 3rd line. However salary-cap administration noticed the participant spend 10 days off the roster, to which the participant voiced his displeasure in regards to the state of affairs.
Shortly after Robertson’s commerce request was made public, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving spoke with reporters following the NHL free company.
“I clearly have identified that there was some frustration with Nick on his behalf,” Treliving mentioned. “We have a look at Nick as a superb participant and there is a nice alternative for Nick right here and we want him to be a very good participant for us.”
When will the Robertson state of affairs get resolved?
Being a restricted free agent offers Robertson little leverage within the state of affairs. And there is little incentive from the Maple Leafs to maneuver on the participant’s rights with out enough return. So far as alternative for Robertson that Treliving was alluding to, the Maple Leafs do not seem set by way of left-wing choices this season and if Robertson stays there could possibly be an opportunity for him to get an on a regular basis position whereas getting a contemporary begin beneath new head coach Craig Berube.
However it’s not till coaching camps open and video games start to get performed will the stress begin to get tighter from either side to determine one thing out.
“It is nonetheless early. I imply, the puck would not drop for actual for an additional month. And, you realize, deadlines are inclined to spur on signing this month,” LeBrun mentioned. “However I all the time warning folks that numerous these go proper right down to the wire. And that features the Nick Robertson state of affairs. There is definitely no assure that he really will get moved. I imply, he would not have numerous leverage in that state of affairs.”
The ultimate deadline for one thing to resolve itself can be on Dec. 1. If Robertson is not signed to an NHL contract by then, he’s ineligible to play for the rest of the season.
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