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.
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.
“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.
News
Watch: Caitlin Clark reveals her preferences in rapid-fire ‘This or That’ game
WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark plays the “This or That” game (Image Source: IMAGN) Caitlin Clark is the WNBA’s top draw and most highly sought-after player. Basketball fans who didn’t know her have learned over the past few months what she…
Dalton Knecht discloses LeBron James’ orders after emptying the clip vs Bucks
Dalton Knecht discloses LeBron James’ orders after emptying the clip vs Bucks. (Credit: Lakers/X) LA Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht took the most shot attempts during the team’s 107-102 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. Although his shooting wasn’t at…
Paije Speights jokes about boyfriend James Harden with mischievous 2025 plans: “Prynce at my wedding next year”
Paije Speights jokes about boyfriend James Harden with mischievous 2025 plans [Credit: IG/@front_paije] James Harden and Paije Speights have been together since May. While Harden is gearing up for his 16th season in the NBA, Speights is planning their marriage next year….
Meredith Gaudreau shared her feelings from the bottom of her heart when she saw Erik Gudbranson’s child wearing Johnny Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey and many special tokens of gratitude from other players, making her unable to hold back her tears.
Meredith Gaudreau shares heartwarming reaction to Erik Gudbranson’s kids sporting Johnny Gaudreau’s No. 13 [via IG/@meredithgaudreau_/] Meredith Gaudreau, wife of the late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, took to Instagram with an emotional response after seeing Columbus Blue Jackets alternate captain Erik…
McDavid and Draisaitl are a great couple on and off the ice. Recently, Connor McDavid’s wife, Lauren Kyle, posted an adorable video with her best friend, shocking fans.
Connor McDavid’s wife Lauren Kyle posts adorable reel for ‘another season with my best friend’ Celeste Desjardins [via Instagram/@laurenkyle1] Edmonton Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s partners Lauren Kyle and Celeste Desjardins often attend their games. While McDavid and Draisaitl…
Aleksander Barkov injury update: Elliotte Friedman provides major update on Panthers captain
NHL insider provides major update on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov (image credit: IMAGN) NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared a key update on Saturday about Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov’s injury. Barkov left Thursday’s game against the Ottawa Senators after crashing…
End of content
No more pages to load