The story surrounding Nick Robertson and the Toronto Maple Leafs took a big flip final week when the 23-year-old signed a one-year, $895,000 deal. After a summer season of hypothesis and a reported assembly with new head coach Craig Berube, it’s clear that Robertson’s future stays one of the vital fascinating storylines because the 2024-25 season approaches.
Regardless of his frustration with restricted alternatives and accidents which have hindered his progress, Robertson now faces a pivotal season that would go in numerous instructions. Right here’s a take a look at the perfect and worst outcomes for Robertson and the Maple Leafs this yr.
Greatest Case State of affairs: Robertson Breaks Out
The right consequence for each Robertson and the Maple Leafs could be a breakout season. The Maple Leafs have invested vital time and endurance in his improvement, and this season might current his greatest alternative to show he belongs.
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On this situation, Robertson stays wholesome and takes benefit of his likelihood to solidify a job within the staff’s center six. Final season, he flashed his offensive potential, posting 14 targets and 27 factors in 56 video games. If he can stay injury-free and discover a constant spot within the lineup, Robertson might emerge because the depth scorer the Maple Leafs have been trying to find.
Along with his fast launch and knack for locating the web, Robertson would additionally add worth to the facility play. His low-risk, high-reward deal is a “prove-it” contract, and a profitable season might see him incomes a long-term extension, cementing his place in Toronto’s future.
Commerce State of affairs: Robertson Will get Traded
Then again, Robertson might nonetheless be traded earlier than the season’s finish. His commerce request earlier this offseason made waves, and whereas the 2 sides reached a short lived settlement with this one-year deal, it would merely be a stepping stone towards an eventual commerce.
The one-year contract makes Robertson a movable asset, primarily if he performs effectively early within the season. Groups needing scoring depth would possibly discover him a pretty choice on the commerce deadline, particularly if the Maple Leafs need to strengthen their roster for a playoff push. A commerce would give Robertson a recent begin elsewhere, fulfilling his earlier request for a change of surroundings.
Worst Case State of affairs: Damage Strikes Robertson Once more
The worst-case situation for each Robertson and the Maple Leafs would contain one other season marred by accidents. Sadly, given his historical past, this isn’t out of the query. One other injury-plagued season might power Toronto to rethink its long-term funding within the younger ahead.
On this consequence, Robertson’s potential stays unrealized, and he finishes the season on the surface trying in. The Maple Leafs might resolve to chop ties after 2024-25, opting to not supply a qualifying supply, making Robertson an unrestricted free agent and free to signal with any staff.
Robertson’s Season Prediction?
The most probably consequence is that Robertson finds his groove however in a restricted function. He stays wholesome sufficient to have an impactful season however inadequate to keep away from commerce hypothesis. His time in Toronto would possibly depend upon how effectively the Maple Leafs carry out on commerce deadline day.
Regardless, this season will likely be crucial in figuring out whether or not Robertson’s future lies in Toronto or elsewhere.
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