Nicholas Robertson could be forced to sit by the Maple Leafs Photo credit: Sportsnet

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman has confirmed that the Toronto Maple Leafs are prepared to play hardball with 22-year-old Nick Robertson.

Earlier this summer, Robertson approached Leafs management with a formal trade request after years of receiving the up-and-down treatment from the organization, bouncing around between the AHL and the NHL, despite displaying some NHL-ready skills.

Robertson’s shot is absolutely NHL-caliber. His work ethic is very good. His skating is decent enough that he’s not lagging behind at the NHL level. The main question marks surrounding Robertson mostly relate to his size and his durability, but last year, he showed the ability to remain healthy.

It seems a bit odd that Robertson has been clamoring for an opportunity for several years and now that a roster spot is ripe for the taking in Toronto, he is just now requesting to be moved. However, on Friday’s episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman claims that Robertson remains steadfast in his decision and would prefer a fresh start elsewhere. Friedman also asked a very important question about Robertson.

Mirtle] Why Nick Robertson needs to drop his trade request with the Maple Leafs : r/leafs

“The Robertson thing, to this point… from what I understand, he hasn’t changed his mind [about wanting a trade], the only thing is, I don’t see how it benefits Nick Robertson not to be at a training camp.”

Friedman also revealed that the Maple Leafs are not about to be pushed around by a 22-year-old, oft-injured prospect, confirming that the Leafs are ready to dig their heels in and make Robertson sit if they have to.

“If Toronto draws a hard line, which I understand they are prepared to do, I just don’t see how it benefits him to miss camp. That’s the one thing I would ask him. I’d say, ‘Nick, how does it benefit you not to be at a camp?’ And I would bet on myself. Maybe he takes a 1-year deal, sees how it goes under Berube. Believe me, I understand the stubbornness of not wanting to be somewhere, but I would ask myself ‘is the person I’m hurting the most by not being at a camp me?'”

Ultimately, it’s going to be up to Robertson here how this all unfolds. As Friedman pointed out, he sees a 1-year deal as the most likely outcome. If this does occur, perhaps Robertson gets his fresh slate under Craig Berube, opening the door to a longer-term solution for both sides. Either that, or Robertson’s body of work entices another team to present the Leafs with an offer to their liking and they finally move off of the 2018 2nd round pick.