Leafs could explore veteran options as Nick Robertson remains unsigned

With Nick Robertson remaining unsigned as we get closer to the end of the summer months, the Maple Leafs may want to begin exploring some other options at forward, just in case Nick Robertson stays true to his word about not wanting to play for the Leafs anymore.

There are many NHL veterans without contracts right now, including Blake Wheeler and Tyler Johnson, however the player that makes the most sense to bring in is former Maple Leaf James Van Riemsdyk.

JVR is certainly not the player he was when he left Toronto in 2018, but he is a perfectly capable option for the Leafs middle-6, and potentially even on the second Powerplay unit as a force in front of the net. JVR suited up for the division rival Boston Bruins last season and was extremely solid even though he played limited minutes, posting 38 points in 71 games, secondary scoring the Leafs could use in their bottom-6.

JVR also brings veteran leadership to the dressing room, and could potentially help with team chemistry as he had already played with members of the Leafs current roster when he was with the Maple Leafs. With over 1,000 games of NHL experience, he could be a calming presence, and would help the dressing room immensely in the playoffs.

While I'm sure Leafs nation would like to see Nick Robertson back in a Maple Leafs uniform next season, the Leafs brass must start considering other options, and JVR sounds like a perfect addition to an already very solid Leafs squad, and would most likely only cost the NHL league minimum.

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
A backup plan worth exploring for the Maple Leafs as Nick Robertson remains unsigned