Nick Robertson’s 2025-26 home stretch will determine his future with Maple Leafs
In the Leafs first action post trade deadline, Berube used Robertson on the third line Saturday night against Tampa Bay, and played him 15:08, almost three minutes more than his season average. He scored a late goal on a strong-effort play, his 13th of the season. It’s obvious there’s more ice time available now for Robertson, and in these last 18 games, he’ll need to prove to Berube and Treliving he’s capable of consistently producing, and impacting the game in all three zones.
Robertson’s a pending restricted free agent and with offseason disputes the past two summers, the first being a trade request that wasn’t considered, and last season with not being offered a long-term contract, his relationship with the organization hasn’t necessarily been a perfect marriage. Having a strong end to the season can help overcome these imperfections, and land Robertson a three, or four-year contract extension to stay in Toronto.
Playing with consistent linemates and being giving time to generate some chemistry does wonders in this area, and this season, Robertson’s been all over the lineup, and Berube hasn’t done a good enough job keeping trio’s together to build momentum. Yes, when they’re losing, Berube must make changes, but it’s also on the coach as well, as he hasn’t done a good enough job this season with constructing his lineup.
Despite the inconsistent role, Robertson’s on pace for a career season in almost every category. The underlying issue here could be the fact the Leafs have several similar-sized wingers in Maccelli, Robertson, and Cowan, and only a couple spots available in the top six. Roster changes are coming this offseason, and a big focus should be diversifying. The Leafs will have a tough decision to make on both Maccelli and Robertson as RFA’s, and don’t be surprised if only one of these two are back in Toronto’s lineup next season.
Treliving needs to find another right-handed shot top-six winger to play behind William Nylander, and they need to add two defencemen who bring more offensive punch from the back end. So, while Robertson could go on a heater the rest of the season with a bigger role, there’s certainly a chance he’s moved this summer to help balance out the Maple Leafs’ lineup.
Regardless of what’s to come this offseason, Robertson is solely focused on finishing this year strong. He’ll be looking to land a long-term contract extension this summer, and may have to come to the realization that it may not be as a Maple Leaf. For now, he’ll look to continue to impress Berube with his work ethic and secondary scoring, and it’s on the coaching staff to ensure he’s properly rewarded. Needless to say, the imperfect relationship between player and organization continues.