Golden Knights Eye Trade for Disgruntled Maple Leafs Forward
The Vegas Golden Knights are being considered as a potential destination for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson, who is reportedly unhappy with his playing time and has requested a trade. Robertson, a pending restricted free agent, does not plan to sign another contract with the Maple Leafs. Adam Proteau of The Hockey News suggests that the Golden Knights could be a logical fit for the 22-year-old.
“Acquiring Robertson would enhance Vegas’s middle-six forwards. Toronto might accept one of the Golden Knights’ second-round picks (they have three in the next three drafts), and Robertson would be geographically closer to home,” Proteau wrote.
Proteau further noted that Toronto might prefer a decent prospect over a draft pick, but either way, the Golden Knights would gain a potential 20-25-goal scorer without losing any current NHL roster players. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs would get rid of an unhappy player and make room for young talents like Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten. Proteau views this as a mutually beneficial deal for both teams.
A trade to Vegas is sensible, especially since the Golden Knights lost Chandler Stephenson, Jonathan Marchessault, and Anthony Mantha in free agency. Robertson could fill the need for a skilled forward in their top six.
Drafted 53rd overall in the 2019 NHL draft, Robertson has played 87 regular-season games over four seasons, tallying 17 goals and 17 assists.
Maple Leafs GM Wants to Retain Robertson
Despite Robertson’s trade request, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has no plans to move him. Treliving considers Robertson a crucial part of the team and hopes to re-sign him for the 2024-25 NHL season.
“Nick is an excellent player with great opportunities here. We need him to perform well for us,” Treliving said on July 1. He refrained from discussing trade speculation and emphasized moving forward.
If Robertson stays with the Maple Leafs, he is expected to be the second-line left winger.
Golden Knights’ Offseason Struggles
The Golden Knights have had a challenging offseason due to limited cap space. They lost several key players, including Marchessault, Stephenson, Alec Martinez, William Carrier, Mantha, and Michael Amadio, in free agency, and traded goalie Logan Thompson. Their only notable free agency signings are depth forward Zach Aston-Reese, forward Victor Olofsson, and goalie Ilya Samsonov to back up Adin Hill.
With just over $1.3 million in cap space, according to CapFriendly, the Golden Knights have some room to add another player or two.
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