"Doesn't seem inclined to sign in Toronto": Top insider Chris Johnston addresses Nick Robertson's future with Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are embroiled in a contract dispute with left winger Nick Robertson. The star player has not been signed to an extension, and the odds of him being on the team next season seem to be dwindling by the day. Top NHL insider Chris Johnston isn't confident that things will work themselves out at this point.

Johnston said:

“At this stage, Nick Robertson doesn’t seem inclined to sign in Toronto and is sticking to the idea that he’d like to play somewhere else next season. There’s a path for him to play, given the Leafs’ depth chart at left wing. It ultimately makes a lot of sense for him and the Leafs to end up together, but I just don’t know if that’s gonna happen.”

The fit is there in Johnston's estimation. He has a path to playing time since the team is weak at left wing, and it has the roster fit. Johnston just isn't sure if it's in Robertson's plans to remain with the Leafs.

---

NHL insider pours water on Maple Leafs' chances with Nick Robertson

Nick Robertson has expressed a desire to move on from the Toronto Maple Leafs. That happened a while ago, but Chris Johnston is reporting that it hasn't changed. With a standstill in negotiation, Robertson still wants out. He is a restricted free agent-to-be, so the Maple Leafs have the power.

Nick Robertson wants to leave the Maple Leafs (Imagn)

Johnston said via TSN:

"If he doesn't want to sign a contract and the organization decides not to move him, really all he could do is miss time and try to put pressure on the team, that way. But obviously it comes at a cost to him, both in terms of getting up to speed in training camp and potentially playing games, and obviously a financial cost."

Johnston isn't sure what the resolution will be for this, but Brad Treliving, the Maple Leafs general manager, has said they need Robertson, and there is a great opportunity on the horizon for the player. There's not much depth, and there is potential for Robertson to get even better, but it remains to be seen if that will actually happen with the Leafs.