It looks increasingly like Nick Robertson is done with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After being scratched for much of the 2025 postseason—even after scoring in Game 5 against Florida—it’s hard to imagine he remains part of the team’s long-term plans. With his entry-level contract expired and restricted free agency ahead, a parting of ways feels both likely and appropriate.
The Maple Leafs Could Qualify Robertson, But Why?
The Maple Leafs could still issue a qualifying offer to retain his rights, but the writing seems on the wall. Under head coach Craig Berube, the team is leaning into size, structure, and defensive accountability—areas where Robertson hasn’t been able to establish himself. It’s not that he lacked talent. When healthy, he flashed speed, a quick release, and plenty of effort. But timing, injuries, and team identity worked against him.
It’s a disappointing ending to what once looked like a promising story. Robertson came in with high expectations and a work ethic to match. But as Toronto shifted away from undersized scoring wingers and began emphasizing grit over finesse in the bottom six, Robertson became a misfit through no fault of his own.
Robertson Is Young Yet; He Could Become a Solid NHL Player
Still, he’s just 23 years old, and his NHL journey doesn’t have to end here. In a different system—on a team that values pace and scoring depth—Robertson could still thrive. Sometimes, the best thing for a young player is a clean slate and a fresh opportunity.
If he moves on this summer, many Maple Leafs fans will be rooting for him from afar. He gave everything he had to the organization, and while it didn’t work out in Toronto, the hope is that it still might work out somewhere else.
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