The continuing drama that’s Nick Robertson’s contract scenario with the Toronto Maple Leafs took an attention-grabbing flip final week. In keeping with TSN’s Chris Johnston, Robertson, a restricted free agent, has instructed the Maple Leafs that his need to depart Toronto hasn’t modified. Hypothesis is that he’s rejecting any new contract provides and is insistent on ready for a commerce.
Some would possibly argue that standing on precept is the suitable play. That stated, the query turns into, is sticking to his weapons a good suggestion or a misstep? Signing and enjoying may create a golden alternative for him, one which Jake DeBrusk confronted whereas he was with the Boston Bruins. It took a few years, however in the end, DeBrusk performed himself into a large take care of the Vancouver Canucks.
Robertson May Have Had a Robust Season with the Maple Leafs
Robertson’s reluctance to signal with the Leafs comes at a time when the workforce is present process important modifications. First, the Leafs moved on from head coach Sheldon Keefe — who for the sake of argument appeared to have Robertson in his canine home at instances. Second, the workforce introduced in Craig Berube, who’s a a lot better match for Robertson’s type of play. For all Robertson is aware of, he might need loved enjoying below Berube’s system.
With the Maple Leafs skinny on the wing, Robertson had a major alternative to safe a top-six function. Such a task wouldn’t solely provide him important ice time but additionally priceless power-play alternatives. He may have produced, which could have improved his expertise on the workforce, but additionally made him a extra engaging possibility for groups who would possibly in any other case be leery of buying and selling for him as we speak.
If the previous, like DeBrusk did, Robertson might need modified his thoughts about being traded and most popular to remain. If the latter, extra provides to amass him would have improved the percentages of a deal.
A Few Good Years Will Lead To Free Company Choices
DeBrusk signed with the Bruins forward of the deadline in 2022, hoping that being below contract would make him extra engaging to groups who would need greater than a rental. A commerce by no means occurred, however he performed properly sufficient within the two seasons that adopted that the Vancouver Canucks felt snug giving him a seven-year deal value $38.5 million. DeBrusk wound up discovering peace in Boston, however his take care of the Canucks set him up for all times.
For DeBrusk, he performed by way of some robust instances, discovered some success, and finally cashed in when he had the facility to decide on his subsequent vacation spot.
Robertson’s damage struggles and inconsistencies on the ice imply he is perhaps higher served to take a deal, show himself, and both get traded or select his subsequent vacation spot in free company. His representatives ought to perceive that a number of robust seasons give him much more leverage when it comes time to make the most important resolution of his NHL profession.
A Little Endurance By Robertson May Serve Him Effectively
The one large distinction between Robertson and DeBrusk is the timing of Robertson’s capacity to grow to be a UFA. Not eligible for unrestricted free company till 2029, that’s one other 5 seasons Robertson must conform to probably stick with Toronto except the Leafs work out a handshake deal to commerce the ahead at their first actual alternative. It’s not unprecedented, however it means trusting GM Brad Treliving, which Robertson might or might not.
By sticking to his demand for a commerce, Robertson is probably rolling the cube. He’s playing that the Leafs don’t simply maintain out and make him wait till they get a commerce provide they like. If he indicators like DeBrusk did, probably making himself extra engaging on a signed and team-friendly deal, an excellent season with the Leafs will carry on loads of suitors.
