Insider Reveals Latest On Maple Leafs RFA Holdout Nick Robertson

We've heard reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the market for a left-winger. Is that an indication that they don't expect the Nick Robertson situation to be resolved? The restricted free agent was said to have told the team early in the offseason that he had no intention of re-signing in Toronto, having been frustrated with his limited role over the past couple of years.

According to hockey insider Chris Johnson, speaking on TSN Radio Tuesday morning, it sounds like Robertson is sticking to his guns.

Chris Johnston on Nick Robertson’s Future with the Leafs

On whether Robertson will even report to camp:

“At this stage, Nick Robertson doesn’t seem inclined to sign in Toronto and is sticking to the idea that he’d like to play somewhere else next season.

There’s a path for him… pic.twitter.com/NTttHKdqbh
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) August 27, 2024

“At this stage," said Johnson, "Nick Robertson doesn’t seem inclined to sign in Toronto and is sticking to the idea that he’d like to play somewhere else next season. "There’s a path for him to play, given the Leafs’ depth chart at left wing. It ultimately makes a lot of sense for him and the Leafs to end up together, but I just don’t know if that’s gonna happen.”

The biggest question that the 22-year-old will have to weigh as we get closer to training camp is whether he is willing to sit out camp in protest.

"This is going to be a story that will gain in significance as we get to mid-September, and see really is he going to stick to his guns."

It is a new coaching staff this season in Toronto, with former Stanley Cup-winning coach Craig Berube making his debut behind the Leafs bench. Could that convince Robertson that things could be different this year?

Johnson suggested that a possible solution could be a one-year deal with a 'side agreement', whereby the Leafs would agree to trade him if things still aren't working out under the new coaching staff.

Robertson, a former 2nd round pick (2019) had a productive season in the limited ice time he was given, with 14 goals and 27 points in 56 games, while playing just 11:23 per night.