A TSN analyst believes Nick Robertson “doesn’t fit” with the Maple Leafs and questioned his roster spot.
Why NHL Analyst Is Skeptical About Nick Robertson's Role/Fit With Maple Leafs originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Just days after the Toronto Maple Leafs signed forward Nick Robertson to a one-year, $1.825 million extension, the move has already been put under scrutiny and criticized by some analysts.
One of those people, TSN's Aaron Korolnek, appeared on "Overdrive 1050" on Tuesday and made clear that the 23-year-old player may not even make the team’s Opening Night lineup.
Robertson, who requested a trade a year ago amid another contract impasse that ended up with him signing a one-year extension, inked a new deal last weekend to avoid arbitration.
Despite the raise in salary and the commitment from franchise and player to spend another year together, Korolnek made clear he believes the forward still doesn’t fit into Toronto’s long-term plans.
"They should give him a bigger opportunity."
— OverDrive (@OverDrive1050) August 5, 2025
Korolnek, Strudwick and Al's Brother discuss Nick Robertson's signing with the Maple Leafs and if he is on the opening night roster.#LeafsForeverpic.twitter.com/BpD1jIZmM5
“I wonder if he’s on the team opening night. I’m very skeptical,” Korolnek said. “It just seems like it’s time. He’s been a healthy scratch so many times.”
“It’s Not Happening With the Maple Leafs” for Nick Robertson
Korolnek said that Robertson has become known more for his inconsistency than his offensive upside, with his bursts of production turning more into random joke-fodder than meaningful developments.
“Every time he comes back, he scores a goal, and that’s a funny novelty that we make jokes about,” Korolnek said. “He gets scratched, he scores. He gets scratched, he scores.”
Robertson is coming off his best goal-scoring season ever, netting 15 goals last year while appearing in just 69 regular-season games. The forward, however, dropped his overall production from 27 total points in 56 games two years ago to 22 points last season.
The analyst stressed that while Robertson showed flashes last season, the Leafs’ offseason strategy suggests the coaching staff and front office are moving in a different direction.
“This guy needs another opportunity. It’s not happening with the Leafs,” Korolnek said. “Look at the way they've conducted their offseason. They're bringing in big boys on the wings. Nick Robertson—I just don't feel like he's a fit. Doesn't make sense."
Nick Robertson Trade Offers Might Arrive at Toronto's Table
Although there have not been bona fide reports of interest in a Robertson trade from outside Toronto, the conversation is gaining steam, and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman discussed it during Sunday's episode of Sportsnet's "32 Thoughts" podcast.
Friedman discussed potential moves involving the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets, both teams having been linked to the player.
Korolnek, however, believes the clock is running out for the Leafs and that a move is likely.
“For $1.8 million, the guy scored 15 goals," Korolnek said. "You want to keep him around. You don’t want to just cut him, but you need something commensurate with that value."
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Hockey
