Toronto Maple Leafs to Trade Top Prospect Soon?
Toronto has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the season, and one particular player has started to generate interest.
Potential Trade Involving Former Top Prospect for the Leafs
As the new year approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves grappling with various uncertainties, notably the need to bolster their roster.
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According to a new report, the Leafs should consider trading away their former top prospect, Nick Robertson.
Robertson is seeing just 10:31 of ice per game on average and a mere 23 seconds of powerplay time. Yes, the Leafs' top unit often spends most of the powerplay on the ice, but for someone that was supposed to be the trigger man on the second unit, 23 seconds per game is nowhere near enough to make an impact. [...]
Head coach Sheldon Keefe still doesn't appear to trust him all that much, playing Robertson sparingly most nights. [...]
Robertson has struggled to get his shot off and struggled, more tellingly, to get his shot off in close quarters. His effort is never in question, but the lack of size and game-breaking speed hold him back. He also has no role in the power play.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe still doesn't appear to trust him all that much, playing Robertson sparingly most nights. [...]
Robertson has struggled to get his shot off and struggled, more tellingly, to get his shot off in close quarters. His effort is never in question, but the lack of size and game-breaking speed hold him back. He also has no role in the power play.
On the other hand, it might be wise to keep Robertson, considering Toronto's need for cost-effective forwards.
We mentioned the need for cheap young forwards and Robertson, making just under $800,000 this season, fits into that. He'll be up for another contract next summer and won't be drawing much. That's reason enough to keep him around, if, that is, the Leafs still believe in his upside.
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding Robertson's future is the emergence of Fraser Minten as a promising prospect for the Leafs.
The 2022 2nd-round pick has displayed strong leadership qualities and a high hockey IQ. Although he began the year with the Leafs before being assigned to the WHL, Minten appears close to earning a spot in the NHL, possibly within the next year.
Also, the Marlies have capable players like Nick Abruzzese and Alex Steeves in their ranks. While both have potential as bottom-six forwards, neither possesses the same talent as Robertson. In the short term, Abruzzese could be the likeliest replacement for Robertson, unless the Leafs can include a winger in a trade to address their need for a defenseman.
As of now, there is no concrete indication that Robertson will be traded, and there may be little motivation to do so. He has recorded 3 goals and 9 points in 20 games for the Leafs this season. If Toronto decides to make a move, the decision will depend on how other teams assess Robertson's value and whether they believe that his untapped potential can be unlocked with more ice time and a change of scenery.
Do you think the Leafs should trade Robertson?
As seen on Hockey Patrol - Maple Leafs Ready for Trade as Coach Keefe Loses Confidence in Forward
| POLL | ||
26 DECEMBRE | 279 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs to Trade Top Prospect Soon? Do you think the Leafs should trade Robertson? | ||
| Yes | 176 | 63.1 % |
| No | 103 | 36.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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