Nicholas Robertson's Candid Talk With Agent Leading Up To Maple Leafs Deal – Hockey Writers –

TSN's Pierre LeBrun joined the athletes on OverDrive on Thursday and talked about Nicholas Robertson signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. LeBrun said it took time for Robertson's trade request to soften. Why? Did something happen that woke Robertson up since he didn't have a leg to stand on?

A process that took more than two months, what took so long for Robertson to realize that his best opportunity would come in Toronto?

Robertson's agent gave him a dose of truth

LeBrun said, “… obviously over the weekend it finally softened and I think what was needed for his years at Pat Brisson kind of put it to his client saying 'Listen they tried to sell you all the men in the summer and I tried. to help them find a team for you and it's not just there.'

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LeBrun added that hearing that must have been a tough pill to swallow. As a young player, when you hear that, it must be difficult for you. The truth is, Robertson showed signs of life last season and when he played, he was effective. But, his progress in the NHL is not extensive. He has had injury problems not many games he has played.

Then, when you add the fact that he asked for a trade without a new coach and a new opportunity – even if it could be argued that he didn't find his place – teams may have decided not to go to that game.

LeBrun noted that “there just wasn't a market” for Robertson and that's why the forward changed his tune and signed a one-year friendly deal with the club.

Pacioretty Talk May Be Eye-Opening

LeBrun also said that Max Pacioretty's deal with Toronto is not actually in the PTO. He called it a tap dance, but argued that Pacioretty “has a job with this team” and it's only a matter of time before he signs a contract. LeBrun understands the veteran flew in August to work out for the organization to see where he is health-wise. “I like this big-time bet,” LeBrun said.

If Pacioretty to the Leafs was a successful deal, perhaps the talk of opening up a veteran spot gave Robertson less reason to worry. Knowing the spot he was waiting to fill made Robertson realize that the Leafs didn't need to rush to sign him. If they already had a replacement ready to go, whatever power he thought he might have was almost nonexistent.

What Are Robertson's Options Now?

LeBrun didn't rule out the possibility of a trade in the future, but he didn't seem as optimistic as some reporters have suggested a trade could come before the start of the season. Instead, LeBrun figures Robertson will have to approach camp and the 2024-25 campaign with a chip on his shoulder.

From there, if he plays well, it could open up other teams to reconsider the idea of ​​a trade. It would require Robertson to get over the fact that no one wanted to trade for him and the Leafs didn't want to comply with his demands. It may require him to go through any discomfort that may exist in the locker room. He just needs to stay healthy, work hard and be productive.

If he can do that, he'll have more options than he had when he signed the deal that he probably didn't want to sign, but felt he had to.