In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs news and rumours, we’ll focus on the competition for the second-line left-wing spot. In a surprising twist, after what seemed like a lingering offseason stalemate, the Maple Leafs have signed Nicholas Robertson to a one-year contract. This signing changes the landscape of the team’s forward group, especially on the left side. The battle for a top-six role heats up with Robertson back in the mix. Can he find a home alongside John Tavares and William Nylander?
In this post, I’ll break down Robertson’s signing and explore who might fill that crucial second-line position for the upcoming season.
Item One: Robertson Sees Signing in Toronto as His Best Option
The Maple Leafs have signed forward Nicholas Robertson to a one-year deal worth $875,000. The two sides came to terms after Robertson had requested a trade. The Maple Leafs weren’t actively looking to move him, and trade offers didn’t materialize. It seems Robertson decided his best move was to re-sign with the club and end the standoff. With a reasonable deal, he can focus on earning a spot on the team, where opportunities seem wide open.
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The 22-year-old will again be a restricted free agent next summer, but he can prove his value this season. In 2023-24, Robertson posted 14 goals and 27 points in 56 games while shuttling between the American Hockey League (AHL) and the NHL. He voiced frustration over the Maple Leafs’ use of his waiver eligibility to facilitate other roster moves, leading to his trade request and offseason speculation about his future with the team.
Now, Robertson can stake a claim on the left side. He wanted out, that was clear. At the same time, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving explored the market while staying in touch with him throughout the process. With a new coach and a fresh start, will he take advantage?
The one-year deal also provides the Maple Leafs with flexibility if a trade is revisited. If Robertson starts strong, he could become an attractive target for other teams, especially at his current cap hit. PuckPedia reports that after signing Robertson, the Maple Leafs now have $400,000 in projected cap space with 22 active players.
Item Two: Who Will Start in the Second Line’s Left Wing?
With the offseason departure of Tyler Bertuzzi, the Maple Leafs face the…
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