Nick Robertson of the Maple Leafs secures the 40th spot on TSN’s Trade Bait board.

The 2024 NHL All-Star weekend has arrived, signaling that the 2023-24 season has officially crossed the halfway mark as February approaches. Following the conclusion of the All-Star weekend festivities, attention will shift to what many consider the most thrilling period of the hockey season: the trade deadline.

For the Toronto Maple Leafs, this season has been characterized by uncertainty. The question of whether to make additions or maintain the current roster looms large as the trade deadline approaches. Despite having limited draft capital and prized prospects, the presence of three elite players in their prime makes it challenging to justify remaining inactive at the deadline, even for minor reinforcements to the bottom-six or defensive line.

Throughout history, Stanley Cup-winning teams have made strategic moves ahead of or at the trade deadline, with not all acquisitions being blockbuster deals. Often, it’s the subtle additions that play a pivotal role in propelling a team deeper into the playoffs and ultimately securing the championship.

The latest TSN Trade Bait list is out, and the #Canucks and Oilers are in the mix as teams potentially willing to part with a first-rounder some five-plus weeks from #TradeCentre.

Our Top 40 List: https://t.co/JJXMPzVvxi

— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) January 31, 2024

TSN recently unveiled its updated Trade Bait board for this season’s deadline, featuring numerous players from rebuilding or retooling teams. Among them is 22-year-old Nick Robertson, whose professional career has seen its share of ups and downs. Robertson’s inclusion on the list at number 40 may not be surprising, given his trajectory in Toronto and his sporadic appearances in the lineup this season.

Despite uncertainties surrounding Robertson’s future, he has showcased his talent in recent games, tallying seven goals and seven assists in just 29 appearances. As his entry-level contract nears expiration, speculation swirls regarding his potential trade ahead of or at the deadline. While trading a promising young player like Robertson might face resistance from the fan base, the Maple Leafs must consider any trade opportunities that could enhance the team’s immediate and future prospects.

Robertson’s placement on the TSN Trade Bait board suggests that trade rumors may not be imminent. However, given his affiliation with the Maple Leafs, his inclusion could also be attributed to driving interest and engagement, underscoring the unpredictable nature of trade deadline speculation.