Toronto Maple Leafs sign Nick Robertson to a cheap contract extension
It took some time, but the Toronto Maple Leafs were able to lock up forward Nick Robertson this morning.
The Leafs announced early this morning that they have re-signed the 23-year-old winger to a one-year contract that will carry a cap hit of $1.825 million. Robertson suited up for 69 games with the Leafs last season, scoring 15 goals and 22 points while averaging just 12 minutes in ice time. He also suited up for three playoff games, where he chipped in with a goal and two points.
This avoids an arbitration hearing between the two parties, who were scheduled to have it happen on Sunday. The Leafs were asking for $1.2 million, while Robertson wanted $2.25 million. Instead of having things drag out and potentially get ugly as arbitration hearings can, the two sides found common ground just one day prior.
Despite boasting a ton of skill and having plenty of success in both the OHL and AHL, Robertson has been unable to develop into the player most thought he would become at the NHL level. He’s suited up for 156 career games to date, during which time he has just 32 goals and 56 points.
As is the case with many players, Robertson seems to believe it’s from a lack of opportunity, which resulted in him requesting a trade last offseason. Cooler heads were able to prevail, however, and he wound up agreeing to a one-year extension, that one being worth only $875,000.
Robertson will be one of several players the Leafs will hope to see more productivity from in 2025-26, as they look to try and deal with the loss of Mitch Marner, who had a career-high 102 points last season. If Robertson is up to the task, he could be in for a lengthier extension next time around, though if not, he’s likely to find himself in a different jersey come 2026-27.