Chris Johnston says the Maple Leafs could still move three of their current forwards before opening night.
Maple Leafs' Forward Trio Could Be Moved Before Next Season, Claims Insider originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Toronto Maple Leafs may not be finished reshaping their forward group.
NHL insider Chris Johnston reported for The Athletic that depth forwards Nicholas Robertson, Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf, could be moved as the franchise continues to explore roster changes ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Johnston noted that of the three, the Leafs are most reluctant to part with Robertson, who just signed a one-year, $1.825 million deal and avoided arbitration. Still just 23, Robertson’s age and goal-scoring upside keep him in Toronto’s long-term picture — for now.
"With that glut of NHL-calibre players, the Leafs could still ship out one or more of David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok or Robertson before the season begins," Johnston wrote. "However, they’ve been reluctant to part with Robertson because of his age-related upside and ability to put the puck in the net.
"Just 19 players from the 2019 NHL Draft have scored more career NHL goals than the 53rd pick. And Robertson has done that while receiving depth minutes at 5-on-5 and limited power-play usage."
We’ve re-signed forward Nicholas Robertson to a one-year contract extension pic.twitter.com/epA8AYS9EB
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) August 2, 2025
Kampf and Jarnkrok, both in their 30s, are viewed as more expendable by Johnston.
Kampf has two years left on his four-year, $9.6 million deal, carrying a $2.4 million cap hit. He has been a staple of Toronto’s penalty kill for the past four years, but he only produced 13 points in 59 regular-season games last year.
Jarnkrok, meanwhile, has only one year left on his contract at a $2.1 million cap hit. He has filled a middle-six role when healthy, but is coming off appearing in just 19 games last season and scoring a meager seven points.
Toronto’s summer acquisitions have added competition for bottom-six spots, leaving little room for how either veteran fits the NHL roster next season.
Johnston suggested the team has “tried for weeks” to move both players, and with only $1.9 million in cap space remaining, a trade could help provide flexibility for another move.
Robertson’s Upside Keeps Him in Play — for Now
Robertson scored a career-high 15 goals in 69 games last season while averaging limited minutes. Despite trade rumors and questions about his fit, the Leafs still appear willing to bet on his upside.
Robertson added two points (one goal, one assist) in three Stanley Cup playoff games as the Leafs crashed out of the postseason early once again, falling to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the second round.
Related: New Contract Won’t Save Maple Leafs' 'Bubble Guy' From Waivers, Claims Former NHLer
Related: Why NHL Analyst Is Skeptical About Nick Robertson's Fit With Maple Leafs
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Hockey
