Toronto Maple Leafs could lose Nick Robertson to offer sheet

Offer sheets are uncommon in the NHL, partly due to an unspoken understanding among GMs to avoid them. This «unwritten rule» has kept most teams from using them, but the Blues have broken ranks. By signing Broberg and Holloway to these deals, St. Louis has thrown down a gauntlet, leaving Edmonton with a tough decision: match the offers by August 20 or lose two promising young players for less-than-ideal compensation.

If the Oilers decline to match, they'll receive a second-round pick for Broberg and a third-round pick for Holloway, a return that many consider far from satisfactory given the potential both players have. For the Blues, it's a low-risk, high-reward gamble on talent that could pay dividends in the near future.

While the impact of the Blues' offer sheets remains to be seen, it could encourage other GMs to consider similar tactics. One name that stands out as a prime candidate for an offer sheet is Nick Robertson of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

After the 2023-24 season, rumors swirled that Robertson, frustrated by a lack of opportunity in Toronto, had requested a trade. Despite his high skill level, the 2019 second-round pick has struggled to find his footing with the Leafs, largely due to limited playing time.

GM Brad Treliving has publicly stated that Robertson will have more opportunities under new head coach Craig Berube, but it's unclear if that assurance is enough to keep the young forward content in Toronto.

Robertson's potential makes him an attractive option for teams in need of scoring depth. With just 87 NHL games under his belt, he has already shown flashes of his offensive capabilities, scoring 17 goals and 34 points. His numbers compare favorably to Holloway, who, despite his recent offer sheet, has nine goals and 18 points in 89 games.

Given Robertson's reported desire for a change of scenery, he might be open to an offer sheet from another team, particularly one that could provide him with a top-six role and power-play time-opportunities that are scarce in Toronto, where the competition is fierce.

The Maple Leafs are not in as dire a cap situation as the Oilers, but they aren't exactly flush with space either. With only $875,000 available, Treliving would need to make a move to retain Robertson if he signs an offer sheet. This could force Toronto to juggle their roster in a way they'd prefer to avoid.

Robertson's track record in the AHL and his junior career suggest he has the offensive upside to justify a team taking a chance on him. His 14 goals and 27 points in 56 NHL games last season are solid, especially considering his limited role.

While no team has yet made a move, Robertson's situation bears watching. The Maple Leafs clearly want to keep him, but if Treliving can't convince the young forward to commit to an extension, Toronto could find themselves in a difficult position.

The Blues' actions may have opened the door for more aggressive strategies across the league, and if Robertson's name comes up, Toronto might have to scramble to keep one of their most promising young players.

As Read on TheHockeyWriters - Maple Leafs at Risk of Losing Robertson to Offer Sheet