The continued drama that’s Nick Robertson’s contract scenario with the Toronto Maple Leafs took an attention-grabbing flip final week. In keeping with TSN’s Chris Johnston, Robertson, a restricted free agent, has advised the Maple Leafs that his want to go away Toronto hasn’t modified. Hypothesis is that he’s rejecting any new contract provides and is insistent on ready for a commerce.
Some would possibly argue that standing on precept is the appropriate play. That stated, the query turns into, is sticking to his weapons a good suggestion or a misstep? Signing and taking part in might create a golden alternative for him, one which Jake DeBrusk confronted whereas he was with the Boston Bruins. It took a few years, however in the end, DeBrusk performed himself into a large cope with the Vancouver Canucks.
Robertson May Have Had a Sturdy Season with the Maple Leafs
Robertson’s reluctance to signal with the Leafs comes at a time when the crew is present process important modifications. First, the Leafs moved on from head coach Sheldon Keefe — who for the sake of argument appeared to have Robertson in his canine home at occasions. Second, the crew introduced in Craig Berube, who’s a significantly better match for Robertson’s fashion of play. For all Robertson is aware of, he may need loved taking part in beneath Berube’s system.
With the Maple Leafs skinny on the wing, Robertson had a major alternative to safe a top-six function. Such a task wouldn’t solely supply him important ice time but additionally useful power-play alternatives. He might have produced, which could have improved his expertise on the crew, but additionally made him a extra enticing choice for groups who would possibly in any other case be leery of buying and selling for him right this moment.
If the previous, like DeBrusk did, Robertson may need modified his thoughts about being traded and most popular to remain. If the latter, extra provides to amass him would have improved the percentages of a deal.
A Few Good Years Will Lead To Free Company Choices
DeBrusk signed with the Bruins forward of the deadline in 2022, hoping that being beneath contract would make him extra enticing to groups who would need greater than a rental. A commerce by no means came about, however he performed nicely sufficient within the two seasons that adopted that the Vancouver Canucks felt comfy giving him a seven-year deal price $38.5 million. DeBrusk wound up discovering peace in Boston, however his cope with the Canucks set him up for all times.
For DeBrusk, he performed by means of some powerful occasions, discovered some success, and ultimately cashed in when he had the ability to decide on his subsequent vacation spot.
Robertson’s harm struggles and inconsistencies on the ice imply he is likely to be higher served to take a deal, show himself, and both get traded or select his subsequent vacation spot in free company. His representatives ought to perceive that just a few robust seasons give him much more leverage when it comes time to make the largest choice of his NHL profession.
A Little Persistence By Robertson May Serve Him Properly
The one huge distinction between Robertson and DeBrusk is the timing of Robertson’s means to grow to be a UFA. Not eligible for unrestricted free company till 2029, that’s one other 5 seasons Robertson must conform to doubtlessly stick with Toronto except the Leafs work out a handshake deal to commerce the ahead at their first actual alternative. It’s not unparalleled, nevertheless it means trusting GM Brad Treliving, which Robertson might or might not.
By sticking to his demand for a commerce, Robertson is doubtlessly rolling the cube. He’s playing that the Leafs don’t simply maintain out and make him wait till they get a commerce supply they like. If he indicators like DeBrusk did, doubtlessly making himself extra enticing on a signed and team-friendly deal, an excellent season with the Leafs will deliver on loads of suitors.
