Maple Leafs Top Prospect Likely to Be Traded Due to Consistency

Nicholas (Nick) Robertson was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round, 53rd overall, in the 2019 draft. Robertson scored 55 goals in 46 games for the Peterborough Petes the year after he was drafted leading many Leafs fans to put the highest of expectations on him.

The years after when Robertson was supposed to make the NHL

From 2020-21 on-wards the expectations from Maple Leafs fans was that Robertson should be a top-six scoring winger at worst, but each passing year that expectation sunk further and further.

Not all of that was on him though as in each of the three seasons 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23, Robertson dealt with a major injury in some way. Either being out of the line-up for the rest of the season, or coming back from a major injury being a step behind everyone else. He also has not secured an NHL roster spot while the Leafs had the need for a cheap scoring forward.


Robertson has fared extremely well in the AHL with 57 points over 60 games, but 51 of those games were spread out over three seasons mentioned above.

Robertson's 2023-24 season so far has been injury free

In this season, Robertson played in nine AHL games before getting called up to the roster, in those games he had 11 points as he clearly is past that league. He has now been given the shot many Leaf fans dreamed for him, albeit he is stuck on the third line and second power play unit.

Robertson is averaging around 10:36 of ice time per game, to go with taking 1.52 shots per game. He has nine points in those games, as the opportunity is obviously had to come by.

Rumours are swirling that Robertson is on the block due to consistency issues and the Maple Leafs may want to use him as a piece to improve the teams blue-line or goaltending position. A change of scenery is what could finally help Robertson unlock his potential, but there is also a chance he can find that in Toronto if the team remains patient with him.