Maple Leafs Sit Robertson, Exploring Trade on Blue Jackets Forward

The Toronto Maple Leafs are making waves ahead of their matchup in Buffalo, with Nick Robertson set as a healthy scratch for the first time this season. All the while, the team is exploring trade options on Robertson and has some interest in a disgruntled forward from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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Easton Cowan will return to the lineup as the Leafs search for some chemistry in their top six and Robertson is on the outs, yet again. Head coach Craig Berube confirmed the lineup change on Friday, and Robertson’s scratch comes amid rumors he wants a change of scenery.

Sources, including Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, indicate Toronto has been actively investigating trade options. At one time, it pitched a trade for the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Yegor Chinakhov. The offer failed to gain traction. That file remains open, as several teams are looking at Chinakhov, but it seems doubtful the Blue Jackets would do a Robertson-for-Chinakhov swap.

Similarly, the Leafs have monitored Chicago’s Lukas Reichel.

The Maple Leafs Are Searching For Answers

Toronto’s struggles this season aren’t entirely unexpected, given the heavy workload carried by Mitch Marner, who is now in Vegas. Replacing him has proven to be a challenge and no one has stepped up in the right-wing role. Unless the Maple Leafs can secure a top-six forward through a trade, this could be a long season for that top line. Management appears committed to exploring their options and the hope is that Easton Cowan finds a way to be a game-changer.

For Robertson, this healthy scratch is potentially another straw, but it’s unclear if it’s the one that will break the camel’s back.

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