Nick Robertson, the young winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs, has finalized a one-year contract with the team, setting the stage for an important season. The agreement, valued at $875,000, marks a new chapter for Robertson, who will be 23 years old on Wednesday. This contract comes after a period of uncertainty when Robertson requested a trade earlier in the off-season. As he prepares for training camp starting September 19 at the Ford Performance Centre, Robertson will have the opportunity to prove his worth and showcase his skills under new head coach Craig Berube.
With gaps on the left side of the Leafs’ lineup, Robertson is poised to make a significant impact. The team is counting on him to fill a crucial role, particularly given the current roster’s needs. While players like Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann are in the mix, Robertson has the potential to bring a level of offensive output that could surpass what other candidates like Pontus Holmberg or Connor Dewar might offer.
General Manager Brad Treliving has emphasized the importance of Robertson to the team’s future. Treliving has expressed confidence in Robertson’s abilities and sees a significant opportunity for him this season. Despite being a restricted free agent with limited leverage during the off-season, Robertson is set to join the team for camp, having avoided the pitfalls of missing training time.
Injuries have hampered Robertson’s career progress, but his performance last season showed promise. He participated in 56 games, scoring 14 goals and adding 13 assists. Notably, after a period of being scratched, Robertson made a strong comeback late in the season, scoring in four of his five returns to the lineup. Overall, he has tallied 17 goals and 17 assists in 87 career games with the Leafs.
The signing of Robertson leaves the Leafs with limited cap space, currently just $400,833 under the $88 million salary cap. There is ongoing speculation about possible additional signings, including winger Max Pacioretty and defenceman Jani Hakanpaa. If Hakanpaa joins the team, it might result in the waiving of defenceman Conor Timmins. Meanwhile, other roster developments include forward Steven Lorentz attending camp on a professional tryout and rookie Easton Cowan aiming to impress after a standout season in the Ontario Hockey League. The development of centre Fraser Minten will also be monitored, as he seeks to secure a spot on the Leafs’ roster following his return from the Western Hockey League.
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