NHL drama heats up: Toronto Maple Leafs keep Nick Robertson as Auston Matthews eyes a deeper playoff run | NHL News
As the NHL offseason rolls on, the Toronto Maple Leafs are making headlines, not for who they’re trading, but for who they’re keeping. The latest decision by the franchise, led by superstar center Auston Matthews, confirms that Nick Robertson is staying put. Despite weeks of speculation surrounding potential trades, the team is doubling down on its belief in the 22-year-old forward.
Nick Robertson remains in Toronto despite trade buzz around the NHL
Nick Robertson, selected 53rd overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, recently inked a new contract with the Maple Leafs after nearly entering arbitration. While veterans like Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf are still on the books and rumored to be available, Toronto’s front office has shown clear hesitation in parting ways with their younger assets, especially Robertson. The reason? It’s all about potential and timing.While Robertson’s NHL numbers haven’t skyrocketed yet, 22 points in 69 games last season, his age and untapped ceiling make him an appealing piece for a franchise seeking longevity and speed. Compared to Kampf (29) and Jarnkrok (32), Robertson offers nearly a decade of extra time to develop and contribute at a high level. And even with limited ice time, he’s shown flashes of skill and scoring instincts that suggest more is to come.
Auston Matthews leads roster reset as NHL season approaches
As Auston Matthews gears up for another run at the Stanley Cup, the Maple Leafs appear to be aligning their roster with a forward-thinking approach. Rather than chasing short-term veteran reliability, Toronto is placing bets on players who can grow into larger roles. And with Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander anchoring the top lines, Robertson may find the perfect support system to flourish.
The Toronto Maple Leafs count on youth and speed over aging veterans
With the 2025–26 NHL season fast approaching, all eyes will be on how Toronto’s youth-first strategy plays out, and as Auston Matthews takes the ice once again as the team’s cornerstone. A young winger will join him, the Leafs believe in, Nick Robertson, still wearing the blue and white, ready to prove the front office right.Also Read: Oilers’ Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and his wife, Breanne Windle, bring NHL flair to France for Leon Draisaitl’s wedding
