The Toronto Maple Leafs have tough lineup decisions to make ahead of opening night next Wednesday.
Offseason additions Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, and Nicolas Roy have created somewhat of a logjam up front, with more bodies than available spots at forward.
Then factor in the strong training and preseason top prospect Easton Cowan has had, and there are going to be a few men left out in Toronto.
Nick Robertson's future as a Maple Leaf has long been speculated to potentially be coming to an end, whether that be by his choice or the organization's. A change in scenery has yet to occur, although this time around feels like it could finally happen.
On Monday, we received another update that has this situation tracking towards just that. Insider Cam Robinson reported that Robertson remains on the trade block and that the San Jose Sharks are among the Western Conference teams kicking tires on his services.
"Nick Robertson remains a name to watch on the trade front. Hearing multiple Western Conference teams have shown interest in the Leafs winger, including San Jose," Robinson wrote.
Nick Robertson remains a name to watch on the trade front.
— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) September 29, 2025
Hearing multiple Western Conference teams have shown interest in the Leafs winger, including San Jose
The 24-year-old signed a one-year, $1.825 million contract extension with the Maple Leafs this summer, a salary that makes him easy to move if it ultimately reaches that point.
Robertson needs a fresh start
While Nick Robertson's time with the Toronto Maple Leafs hasn't gone according to plan, the 2019 second-round pick (53rd overall) still has the potential and skill set to be an impactful NHL player elsewhere.
He scored at an 18-goal full-season pace in 2024-25 and a 21-goal pace the year prior while playing in a very limited role in Toronto, so it makes sense to hear there's interest in Robertson around the league.
A team like San Jose would be a great option, where he is likely to see consistent top-nine minutes and the opportunity to play his strengths: goal scoring.
This is a situation that sounds to be heating up and will be worth monitoring over the next week as the Maple Leafs finalize their opening night roster.