Already Suggestions of a Nick Robertson Trade in Toronto

It didn’t take long for at least one member of the Toronto Maple Leafs media spoil the buzz created by Nick Robertson — who scored two goals (including the overtime winner) in his 2022-23 NHL debut for the Leafs. Less than 24 hours after being the overtime hero, Michael Traikos of The Toronto Sun is already suggesting the Leafs look to trade Robertson.

Arguing that the Leafs don’t need another top-six forward, Traikos threw out the idea that it’s best for the Leafs to strike while the iron is hot and move Robertson to the Arizona Coyotes for Jakob Chychrun. He’s hinting that the Coyotes might be more prone to trading the 24-year-old defenseman for a package that includes Robertson because he’s a hot commodity in the NHL after his debut performance.

Traikos also points to Chychrun’s affordable $4.6 million cap hit through 2024-25 and suggested the Leafs offer up Robertson and their 2023 first-round pick as part of a deal. Not only that, but he thinks the Leafs would have to throw in Alex Kerfoot to make the deal work.

Traikos writes:

If Muzzin is coming back at some point this season, then you cannot deal for Chychrun without also having to give back a similar salary. Muzzin has a no-trade clause, so that would mean having to part ways with Alex Kerfoot ($3.5-million) in addition to whatever picks or prospects that the Coyotes want. But if Muzzin is done for the year — and based on his concussion history and the ominous comments from his teammates regarding his future — putting him on long-term injury reserve could free up $5.625-million in cap space. 

Is This the Right Trade for Toronto?

Would you do this deal if you were the Toronto Maple Leafs? Traikos isn’t wrong when he says the Leafs might need help on their blue line more than they need another top-six forward, but should GM Kyle Dubas move Robertson to make this deal work? He might finally be ready to make the jump to the NHL and questions about Chychrun’s health is still out there. Dubas already made a trade for an asset in Matt Murray that looks like damaged goods. Does he really want to make the same mistake again?

Next: Does Keefe Remember Matthews’ Game in Winnipeg Last Year?