This standoff between the Toronto Maple Leafs and left winger Nick Robertson is over, as the team confirmed Tuesday they've reached a one-year contract agreement. The deal, worth $875,000, was first reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, who noted the two sides were closing in on an agreement.
At 23, Nick Robertson was the last restricted free agent the Maple Leafs needed to ink ahead of the new campaign. In July, the Pasadena, California native had requested a trade, reportedly unhappy with his role under then-coach Sheldon Keefe. Keefe has since been let go this offseason as Craig Berube joined the team as head coach.
Last season, he set a new personal best playing in 56 games, notching 14 goals and 27 points. His playoff performance was a little underwhelming, though, failing to record a point in six games. He also contributed 11 points in nine games with the Toronto Marlies.
With Tyler Bertuzzi now with the Chicago Blackhawks, Nick Robertson could be in the mix for a second-line left-wing position and some time on the second powerplay unit heading into this year. Robertson was originally selected 53rd overall by the Leafs in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft.
In a separate news report coming out this morning, it also appears the Leafs are about to sign on the dotted lines to add unrestricted free agent Max Pacioretty to their lineup.
Max Pacioretty was a 22nd overall pick by the Montreal Canadiens in 2007 and led the team as their captain for several seasons. In his 902 career games, he scored 330 goals and added 338 assists, for 668 points.
These two deals are definitely going to add some much-needed depth and veteran presence to the Leafs lineup for this upcoming season.
Source:Elliotte Friedman on X
POLL | ||
10 SEPTEMBRE | 229 ANSWERS Maple Leafs sign Nick Robertson and finalizing deal with Max Pacioretty Are you happy with the Leafs signings of Nick Robertson and Max Pacioretty? | ||
Yes | 123 | 53.7 % |
No | 106 | 46.3 % |
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