The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly on the verge of trading forward Nick Robertson, who recently declined to sign a contract extension with the team. According to Adam Proteau of The Hockey News, the Columbus Blue Jackets have emerged as a potential destination for Robertson, who is seeking a fresh start after becoming a free agent on July 1.
“The Blue Jackets are in the early stages of another major rebuild, and that means there’s still going to be some jumbling within the roster,” Proteau wrote. “If Columbus GM Don Waddell deals veteran forward Boone Jenner, a spot in the Jackets’ top-six would open up, and the pressure on Robertson would not be nearly so onerous in a quiet hockey media market like Ohio.”
The Leafs could look to trade Robertson in exchange for a high draft pick and a promising prospect. Robertson, 23, is still considered to have significant potential, and a move to Columbus might provide the opportunity he needs to thrive.
Potential Trade Dynamics
Sources say that RFA Nick Robertson has no plans to re-sign with the #leafs this summer and has informed the team that he would like to be traded.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2024
Landing in Columbus would give Robertson the fresh start he desires, while the Leafs could receive a point-scoring center in Boone Jenner in return. Jenner, 31, scored 35 points in 58 games during the 2024 season and has been a consistent performer over the past few years.
Robertson informed the Maple Leafs ahead of free agency that he did not intend to sign a contract extension with the franchise. NHL insider Chris Johnston first reported Robertson’s trade request on June 30, and Leafs GM Brad Treliving confirmed the news, acknowledging Robertson’s frustration with his role on the team.
“Obviously, I have known that there was some frustration with Nick, but we look at Nick as an excellent player. There’s great opportunity for Nick here. We need him to be a good player for us,” Treliving said.
Leafs GM Brad Treliving on Robertson:
"Obviously, I have known that there was some frustration with Nick, but we look at Nick as an excellent player. There’s great opportunity for Nick here. We need him to be a good player for us." https://t.co/RErR9VUQqa
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) July 1, 2024
Nick Robertson’s Struggles and Potential
Toronto drafted Robertson with the No. 53 overall pick in 2019, but he has struggled to secure a consistent spot in the lineup. Since the 2020-21 season, Robertson has played 87 regular-season games, scoring 17 goals and adding 17 assists. In the 2023-24 season, he managed 14 goals and 13 assists in 56 games but failed to score in six playoff games.
In an interview with Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, Robertson expressed uncertainty about his future with the Leafs, stating, “It’s my first [negotiation]. I can’t say I’m worried about it now; I don’t even know how this process works. But I haven’t heard anything. I just play. It’s kind of nice knowing that [my agent will deal with it], though. I want to play and let him worry about that.”
Boone Jenner: A Strategic Acquisition
Acquiring Boone Jenner could address several key needs for the Maple Leafs. The veteran forward has spent 11 years with the Blue Jackets, scoring 364 points in 715 games. He is known for his versatility and can contribute both offensively and defensively. Jenner’s physicality and faceoff skills could be valuable assets for the Leafs.
However, the salary cap is a significant factor in any potential trade. Jenner’s contract, with a cap hit of $3.75 million, would require the Leafs to make adjustments. As of July 12, the Leafs have just $955,333 in cap space, according to PuckPedia.
Conclusion
Trading Nick Robertson to the Blue Jackets for Boone Jenner could be a strategic move for the Maple Leafs. It would address Robertson’s desire for a fresh start and add a seasoned, versatile forward to the Leafs’ lineup. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on GM Brad Treliving and his next steps to maximize the value of this potential trade.
