Report: Maple Leafs' Nick Robertson Saga Takes 180-Degree Turn

After months of uncertainty surrounding Nick Robertson’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs following his trade request on July 1 , a resolution appears to be on the horizon and it's not the one we expected.

According to NHL insider Darren Dreger, Robertson, a restricted free agent without a contract offer on his table, is likely to reach an agreement with the Leafs before training camp begins.

Dreger shared the update during First Up on TSN 1050 on September 9 , noting that despite Robertson’s earlier trade request, the 22-year-old forward will likely stick with Toronto for the upcoming season considering the hole on the team's left wing.

“I believe that they’re going to get something done and that Nick Robertson will return to the Maple Leafs,” Dreger said. “It sounds like he’s leaning more toward recognizing what he has in Toronto and making the best of the situation.”

The Leafs drafted Robertson with the No. 53 pick overall in the 2019 NHL draft. He has shown flashes of potential but he's struggled to secure a consistent roster spot due to injuries and limited NHL opportunities, which led him to submit a trade request earlier this summer.

Last season, Robertson played 56 games scoring 14 goals and 13 assists while averaging 11:23 of ice time. According to Dreger, the limited league-wide interest in his services likely contributed to his ultimate decision to stay in Toronto.

Furthermore, Dreger reported that Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube has assured Robertson that he will be given an opportunity to compete for a top-nine role during training camp.

As things stand and barring further free-agent additions, Toronto’s depth on the left wing includes average-at-best players such as Matthew Knies, Bobby McMann, Pontus Holmberg, and Leafs prospect Connor Dewar.

Related: Report: Disgruntled Maple Leafs Forward Seeking Trade From Toronto