After another offseason of uncertainty, Nick Robertson remains a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs with just two days to go until their home opener.
This summer felt like the much-needed change of scenery was coming for everyone involved, and while it hasn't happened yet, that may not be the case for much longer.
Despite signing an extension with the Maple Leafs in August, trade rumors continued to fly in the weeks to follow, and it wouldn't come as a surprise to see Robertson find a new home any day now.
Given the situation, Cole Shelton of Heavy Sports has proposed that former general manager Kyle Dubas take a flier and acquire the disgruntled forward whom he drafted in Toronto. The return would see depth center Blake Lizotte head back the other way.
Penguins receive: Nick Robertson
Maple Leafs receive: Blake Lizotte
"The proposed deal is a one-for-one swap that makes sense for both teams. Toronto acquires Lizotte, who can be the fourth-line center, while Pittsburgh gets Robertson, who appears to be on the outside looking in for a roster spot with the Maple Leafs," Shelton wrote.
As mentioned, the 24-year-old Robertson signed a one-year, $1.825 million extension with the Maple Leafs this offseason.
Robertson's outlook in Toronto
While the writing appears to be on the wall for Nick Robertson's future as a Toronto Maple Leaf, recent events might have altered things for the time being.
The recent injury to Scott Laughton, along with David Kampf having been waived and unclaimed, brings the number of forwards down to 13 in Toronto.
That total includes Robertson, as well as top prospect Easton Cowan, who might only stick around for a nine-game trial before getting sent down to the Marlies.
Because of that, the Maple Leafs could be forced to keep Robertson to start the season, or if they do make a deal, they'll need to get NHL help up front in return, which is why Shelton's proposal to Pittsburgh for Blake Lizotte could work out.