Report: Maple Leafs Winger 'Not Inclined To Sign'

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson remains unconvinced about linking his future with the team, and a new report from NHL insider Chris Johnston suggests he is still leaning towards leaving Toronto.

According to TSN's Johnston, the 22-year-old restricted free agent has not changed his stance on wanting to be traded away from Toronto, despite the team having an opening spot on the left wing that could potentially suit him.

"I think, obviously, at this stage of the summer, the Leafs are still working through what happens with Nick Robertson, but there's a pretty clear path for him to be part of the mix at left wing," Johnston said during an appearance on First Up with Aaron Korolnek and Carlo Colaiacovo. "But at this stage, Nick Robertson doesn't seem inclined to sign in Toronto and is sticking to the idea that he'd like to play somewhere else."

Although not critical, this development will certainly complicate the Maple Leafs' offseason plans as the team approaches the start of the 2024-25 season still needing to put the final touches to the roster

The Leafs are looking for reinforcements to their left-wing position, as first reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman , and not having Robertson around would hurt them.

Johnston emphasized that resolving Robertson's situation is crucial for the Leafs before they can finalize any moves to address the left-wing spot, mostly because of the financial impact having or not the current Leaf would have on the franchise's plans.

Robertson, who requested a trade at the start of July , has experienced a start to his NHL career marked by a series of injuries and inconsistent performance.

The Leafs drafted Robertson with the No. 53 pick in the 2019 NHL draft but he's only played 87 regular-season games with the Leafs over four seasons, tallying 17 goals and 17 assists.

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