No. 1: Nick Robertson
Robertson has all of the skill in the world but is he going to be an impact player on this team within the next two seasons?
If the answer is “no” than the team could risk trading him because it’ll give them the best opportunity to acquire a high-end player in-return.
Robertson is young and still raw, but he’s a never-quit-buzz-saw and has an amazing shot. The fact that he isn’t a regular in this lineup says more about the lineup than it says about him.
In the right opportunity could be a top-six forward every day of the week. However, it’s yet to happen with the Leafs and I’m not too sure if it’s going to happen this year.
If he can fill the net on an entry-level contract, he’s incredibly valuable. But if the Leafs want to add a star forward to go on their second line, then he may be more valuable as an asset than as a player.
As previously mentioned, Matthew Knies is still in the system and could fill the role for that top-six winger on an Entry Level deal. In a perfect world, you’d want Robertson and Knies in that role, but Robertson’s yet to establish himself.
I’d prefer the team not trade him but if it meant acquiring a star, than you have to make the trade. The team needs to win within the next two years, so if it means potentially walking away from a 30-goal scorer in five years for a player who can do it now, it’s worth it.