September 11, 2024 | 11:50aM ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

ROBERTSON STILL ON TRADE BLOCK

Nick Robertson, forward

Young forward Nick Robertson has been the subject of trade speculation all summer after it was revealed that he had requested a trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Robertson, 23, had waited to sign a new contract after a move, but despite GM Brad Treliving’s attempts to trade him, a deal has not yet been found.

On Tuesday, Robertson agreed to a one-year, $875,000 contract with the Maple Leafs and the initial belief was that he is now poised to start the 2024-25 campaign in Toronto. However, despite the new deal, the Leafs continue to be engaged in trade discussions with teams.

Treliving is exploring his options and may find it easier to move Robertson now that he is under contract.

In addition to Robertson, Leafs defenceman Connor Timmins is also believed to be on the trade block, according to TFP’s David Pagnotta.

Timmins, who turns 26 on Sept. 18, the first day of training camps this season, is in the final year of a two-year, $2.2 million contract. The Maple Leafs could trade him or place him on waivers to clear an extra $1.1 million of salary cap space.

In 56 games with the Maple Leafs last season, Robertson registered 14 goals and 13 assists for 27 points.

As Pagnotta first reported, the Maple Leafs are bringing in veteran left wing Max Pacioretty, who officially signed a professional tryout on Wednesday. That move will be followed up by a formal standard player contract before the start of the regular-season.

Moving Timmins and Robertson would add an extra $1.975 million in cap space to go along with their current $400,000, totaling $2.375 million.

With Pacioretty expected to sign a one-year contract before the start of the season and defenceman Jani Hakanpaa still believed to be on the verge of signing a deal with Toronto, as well, the Leafs may need to clear even more cap space before the start of the new season.

The Leafs have also signed forward Steven Lorentz to a PTO.