Nicholas Robertson is the brother of star forward Jason Robertson. However, while Jason has been great and consistent, ‘Nick’ has been struggling to permanently stay in the NHL and make his mark.
Nick Robertson Struggling to Find Consistency in the Toronto Maple Leafs Lineup
Robertson was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Since then, Robertson has spent each season of his career in both the NHL and AHL. Robertson is now 22 years old and running out of time to prove he belongs in the NHL permanently. However, this past season was the most amount of games he has played in the NHL in one season, playing in 56 games. He had 14 goals, 13 assists, and had a positive CF% Rel of 1.7.
He also got to suit up and play in the playoffs. In contrast, he did not have much success in the playoffs as he appeared in six games and failed to record a point. In addition, he was under ten minutes a game. Robertson’s future is starting to look dull or perhaps just in Toronto.
Would a Change of Scenery Work?
Due to feeling he has not been given a fair shot, Nick Robertson requested a trade not too long ago. A few teams should be interested, however, the team that should capitalize the most are the Pittsburgh Penguins. General manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins Kyle Dubas would be more than ecstatic to reunite with Robertson. Dubas was the general manager of the Maple Leafs back in 2019 and drafted Robertson. Dubas has been a fan of Robertson as a player and person for awhile now.
Ever since Dubas took over as GM of the Penguins, he made his goals clear to get better and younger. He has completely revamped the bottom-six adding tons of young forwards and even trading for Rutger McGroarty. Adding a player such as Robertson, who has still tons of untapped potential, would be a great move for the Penguins.
Adding Nick Robertson via trade would be beneficial for the Penguins both this season and in the future. Robertson would come to the Penguins as another promising forward with lots to offer and compete for a bottom-six role.
Breaking Down the Exact Trade to Make it Work for Both Sides
Pittsburgh Receives: Nick Robertson
Toronto Receives: Cody Glass, 2025 third-round pick
Yes, the Penguins recently traded for Cody Glass. However, the Penguins are not afraid to trade someone they value if it means improving the roster. For example, take the McGroarty trade. Both Dubas and the Penguins front office loved and valued Brayden Yager as both a player and a person. However, they felt McGroarty is a better prospect than Yager and will earn a roster spot sooner and also has more potential. Some believe McGroarty cannot only make the roster this season, but also be Sidney Crosby‘s linemate.
This scenario is the same case as Dubas is already familiar with Robertson which is always a plus. Also, he may feel Robertson can contribute to winning both now and in the future more than Glass could.
Some Penguins fans may freak out about the pick and that the Penguins should keep their draft capital and build their prospect pool. Well they still can, the Penguins have three third-round picks in the upcoming draft. They also have nine total draft picks with four in the first three rounds. Not to mention that Robertson is a young player in his own sense and still has potential at the NHL level.
This trade makes sense for the Penguins as Dubas gets a reunion and upgrades the team while getting a younger forward. Robertson also benefits from the deal as he gets a fresh start.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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