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The chatter over the weekend began to sound as if the resolution to the Nick Robertson standoff with the Toronto Maple Leafs would be the restricted free agent avoiding a holdout and signing a one-year deal and on Tuesday, the club announced that the winger had signed a one-year, $875,000 one-way deal.
The 22-year-old had his best year with the Leafs last season, with a career-high 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists) in 56 games, avoiding injury for the first time since making his debut with Toronto in the bubble during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Robertson requested a trade after a season in which his ice time and place in the lineup was limited by former head coach Sheldon Keefe, but may have been justified since the young winger is not particularly good in the defensive zone. There have been some indicators that the Leafs have made overtures for him to come into camp and compete for a job under new bench boss Craig Berube, but Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli is reporting that the belief is Robertson is still more likely to be traded than opening the season with Toronto and that a potential deal is easier when a player is under contract.
There is no doubt that it would be easier for GM Brad Treliving to move Robertson with him signed, but a deal is only likely if the club gets equal value for someone who has already proved he can score in the NHL in limited opportunity. The Leafs are thin on the left side with Bobby McMann, Matthews Knies, Robertson, and likely Connor Dewar on the left side, which is the reason why there have been rumors of interest in veteran winger Max Pacioretty, but unless Treliving can get a good return for Robertson, you can expect the young winger will start the season with Toronto.
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • 
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