Toronto Maple Leafs Avoid Arbitration Case

Check out this NHL signing as the Toronto Maple Leafs re-sign Nicholas Robertson. A young forward looks to carve out a bigger role next season.

Welcome back to another edition of NHL signing news here at Last Word on Sports. Each time a team makes a notable signing, our writers provide analysis, context, and what it means going forward. Today’s story focuses on Nick Robertson re-signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out all our latest NHL signing news throughout the offseason.

Nick Robertson Re-Signs with the Toronto Maple Leafs

Contract: One-year
AAV: $1.8m

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed 23-year-old winger Nick Robertson. The deal brings closure and avoids what would have been the final unresolved arbitration case in the NHL this off-season. According to Elliotte Friedman, the player had filed for $2.25 million, while the Leafs countered at $1.2 million. The final contract reportedly lands at $1.8m average annual value and provides clarity for both parties heading into 2025–26. Robertson, originally drafted 53rd overall in 2019, has endured a challenging early career due to injuries and limited ice time. However, his offensive upside remains promising, and the Leafs appear committed to giving him another opportunity to prove himself at the NHL level.

This past season, Robertson appeared in 69 games for the Maple Leafs, posting 15 goals and 7 assists. He showed improved pace and decision-making, particularly in sheltered middle-six minutes. Although used in a limited role (11:30 average TOI), he showcased efficient finishing and above-average pace in sheltered middle-six minutes. Despite being scratched for part of the playoffs, he contributed one goal and one assist in only three playoff games for the Leafs. In a case of what could’ve been, maybe the Leafs would have benefited from Robertson’s depth scoring against Florida.

Why the Leafs Want to Retain Robertson

For general manager Brad Treliving, this move offers a cap-conscious option to round out Toronto’s forward group. Robertson is no longer waiver-exempt and will now have to earn his spot outright in camp. His previous deal carried a cap hit of just $875,000, and the new contract represents a modest increase. This new contract is one that reflects both upside and risk. From a value standpoint, he produced 15 goals on just 10.07 expected goals (iXG) and improved Toronto’s shot share (CF% rel +3.10), according to Puckpedia. His Goals For % of 51.9% suggests he didn’t hurt his line’s on-ice results. However, according to Hockey Stat Cards, his advanced metrics tell a more complicated story: a –5.1 net rating, poor power-play impact, and below-average game score (0.23) underline concerns about his long-term ceiling.

Robertson’s return gives Toronto a cost-effective, internal option to round out their forward group. With cap space at a premium, the Leafs benefit from his low-risk deal and potential upside. If he can stay healthy and rediscover his OHL-level scoring ability, he could emerge as a key depth piece or trade asset.

Stay tuned for more updates on NHL signings and off-season moves.