This morning NHL insider Darren Dreger was on First Up on TSN 1050. He said he believes Robertson and the Toronto Maple Leafs will get a deal done and keep him in Toronto.
Last season Robertson played 56 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season where he scored 14 goals and 13 assists for a total of 27 points (All statistics from NHL.com).
Robertson asked for a trade out of Toronto earlier in the offseason due to the lack of ice time he received with former head coach Sheldon Keefe.
Dreger explained Robertson's thought process as he gets closer to a deal with the Leafs. On First Up, he said, "It sounds like he's leaning more toward recognizing what he has in Toronto and making the best of the situation."
Robertson staying is the best option for the Toronto Maple Leafs
I always thought Robertson's trade request was confusing. I understand his frustration with the lack of ice time last season with Keefe and his healthy scratching in game seven against Boston. The difference with this team is that there is a lack of depth at winger, especially on the left side where Robertson plays.
With the lack of depth Robertson is looking at a season in Toronto with a new head coach in Craig Berube as well as the most open the roster has ever been for him.
This is the best outcome for both parties. I really never understood the Robertson trade request because he was going to get a bump in ice time with the #Leafs this year. With a real lack of winger depth they’re going to need him to be good. #LeafsForever https://t.co/27OfuChVcc
— Matteo Giuliano (@MatteoG29_) September 9, 2024
As I mentioned in the tweet above Robertson should see a bump in ice time this year. With a lack of options on the left side of the ice, I think he can slot in on the second line and be an effective player there.
Robertson is currently a restricted free agent and an offer sheet looks unlikely this late into the offseason. Robertson can't demand much money on this deal with the lack of games played and experience he has, but he will have a big role on the team this season.
If the deal does come to fruition this season, I will watch his defensive game. We know he is a pure goal-scorer with a great shot. He struggled last year in the defensive end (though he was often paired with Max Domi) and got himself in positions where he was hit hard often. For him to stay healthy, which he has also struggled with, he is going to need to learn how to protect himself.
His defensive game is one of the reasons for his lack of ice time. I understood Keefe not trusting Robertson when the Leafs had the lead in a game. He played sheltered minutes but was still effective in the lack of time he had.
I can see Robertson easily scoring 20 goals in a full season of play and maybe even end the season in the high 20's for goals scored. It is the best option for both teams to put everything aside and come to an agreement.