Confirmed with Link: Nick Robertson asks for trade (Update signs 1 year/875k deal with leafs)

[IPS]

He is better than a few players on our current roster, that isn't special treatment, that is giving someone something they deserve.

He doesn't "deserve" anything from the team.

 

[notbias]

Jarnkrok and Holmberg are better players though. They aren’t going to make the team worse because a guys upset. He’s never done anything to force the teams hand to make a spot for him.

Playing Reaves or Dewar over better players is making the team worse.

Let's just use Reaves.

Which bottom 6 is better?

Holmberg - Domi - Jarnkrok
Dewar - Kampf - Reaves

Robertson - Domi - Holmberg
Dewar - Kampf - Jarnkrok

One is clearly better, and it isn't the one where the guy who can't play hockey is being deployed on a defensive line.

He doesn't "deserve" anything from the team.

He deserves a look more than a net negative player like Reaves, that is someone who was actually handed a roster spot and doesn't even do his one job.

 

[ULF_55]

What has been the communication? Very few relationships can not be repaired...

Debrusk also wanted out last year and ended up having a great year.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1807890928117436690

“I’ve known there was some frustration with Nick, on his behalf. There’s great opportunity for Nick, here.”​

He brings some energy and some offense.
He's been paid $1.2mm for 17 goals and 34 points.

 

[notbias]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1807890928117436690

“I’ve known there was some frustration with Nick, on his behalf. There’s great opportunity for Nick, here.”​

He brings some energy and some offense.
He's been paid $1.2mm for 17 goals and 34 points.

What does the super vague statement mean?

 

[Fogelhund]

Robertson has a Qualifying offer. The Leafs best move.... is just to leave it out there, and wait him out.

 

[ULF_55]

What does the super vague statement mean?

So you, as GM, would guarantee him a spot in the line-up?

Would you fire the coach if he didn't play him?

 

[Dayjobdave]

I don't like to be spiteful or vindictive with players but I'm good if they just let him sit until he changes his mind. This is not about playing him over Reaves or Holmberg. He says he wants to be in another organization.

No reason for us to make that an NHL organization, or to agree to give him away.

Have a seat Nick.

 

[ACC1224]

Playing Reaves or Dewar over better players is making the team worse.

Let's just use Reaves.

Which bottom 6 is better?

Holmberg - Domi - Jarnkrok
Dewar - Kampf - Reaves

Robertson - Domi - Holmberg
Dewar - Kampf - Jarnkrok

One is clearly better, and it isn't the one where the guy who can't play hockey is being deployed on a defensive line.



He deserves a look more than a net negative player like Reaves, that is someone who was actually handed a roster spot and doesn't even do his one job.

Whether Reaves is dressed is a different matter. Robertson is not in competition with Reaves. The team is worse though with Jarnkrok on the 4th and Robertson on the 3rd.

 

[notbias]

Whether Reaves is dressed is a different matter. Robertson is not in competition with Reaves. The team is worse though with Jarnkrok on the 4th and Robertson on the 3rd.

False, because Reaves is still on the 4th line in this scenario.

Robertson 3LW, Jarnkrok 4RW, Reaves AHL > Jarnkrok 3RW, Reaves 4RW, Robertson AHL.

 

[Stephen]

Robertson has earned a look already.

If guys like Reaves and Dewar are better, trade him for a 5th, he is worthless.

If he has more value than those guys, then find a spot for him and give him some playing time.

Most relationships are mendable, especially professionally.

You do realize that Nick Robertson is the problem here right?

He had a small step towards full time NHL duty last year. He’s 22 years old. There’s a new coach and an open job… by most standards that’s a good spot for a young guy to be in. Bobby McMann is like 28 and in a similar spot and a chance to grow.

And yet Nick Robertson is carrying on like he’s got some axe to grind with the organization because it’s the Leafs that held him back from being Jason Robertson? Be serious, both of you. Leafs don’t need to mend anything. This kid is a diva.

 

[Hellcat]

What does the super vague statement mean?

Berube loves energy heart and soul energy guys, is there anyone on the Leafs that gives more effort every shift than Robertson? Is Robertsons game perfect, no. Is he young and have room to grow , yep. A fresh start with a new coach, perfect opportunity for Nick.

 

[notbias]

I don't like to be spiteful or vindictive with players but I'm good if they just let him sit until he changes his mind. This is not about playing him over Reaves or Holmberg. He says he wants to be in another organization.

No reason for us to make that an NHL organization, or to agree to give him away.

Have a seat Nick.

Having bad relationships with players seems like a bad idea.

"Hey Jason, your brother played for the Leafs, I am thinking about signing there during free agency, want to ask him how it was?"

You do realize that Nick Robertson is the problem here right?

He had a small step towards full time NHL duty last year. He’s 22 years old. There’s a new coach and an open job… by most standards that’s a good spot for a young guy to be in. Bobby McMann is like 28 and in a similar spot and a chance to grow.

And yet Nick Robertson is carrying on like he’s got some axe to grind with the organization because it’s the Leafs that held him back from being Jason Robertson? Be serious, both of you. Leafs don’t need to mend anything. This kid is a diva.

It sounds like he was jerked around a lot, not saying he is right, but I am unaware of the private convos that were had.

Can you post the current communication between the two sides and all previous communication to lead up to this point?

So you, as GM, would guarantee him a spot in the line-up?

Would you fire the coach if he didn't play him?

Talk to your coach and figure out if there is a spot.

If he is being sat and someone like Reaves (a cap dump) is in the lineup, I think you take a 5th or whatever someone will give you for him because he is worthless.

 

[ACC1224]

False, because Reaves is still on the 4th line in this scenario.

Robertson 3LW, Jarnkrok 4RW, Reaves AHL > Jarnkrok 3RW, Reaves 4RW, Robertson AHL.

Reaves has nothing to do with Robertson

 

[Stephen]

Jarnkrok and Holmberg are better players though. They aren’t going to make the team worse because a guys upset. He’s never done anything to force the teams hand to make a spot for him.

Jarnkrok and Holmberg are definitely more playable 200 foot players without the offensive ceiling of a Robertson. Robertson is quite poor at many aspects of the game, is positionally terrible and weak at competing for ice and body positioning. Saying grace is he has an unusually elite shot and the hope he could click into place. If and when he makes it he needs to be firmly top 6 and not competing with those two for work. He can’t do what they do.

I’m not high on him personally but he’s a young player who is a work in progress. Wanting out at this stage is just not a request that I respect.

 

[Hellcat]

You do realize that Nick Robertson is the problem here right?

He had a small step towards full time NHL duty last year. He’s 22 years old. There’s a new coach and an open job… by most standards that’s a good spot for a young guy to be in. Bobby McMann is like 28 and in a similar spot and a chance to grow.

And yet Nick Robertson is carrying on like he’s got some axe to grind with the organization because it’s the Leafs that held him back from being Jason Robertson? Be serious, both of you. Leafs don’t need to mend anything. This kid is a diva.

Yup, the best advice his agent can give is, suck it up and get on the ice. Leafs need LW, say Greybonkin, Steeves and McMann have career years and pass him on the depth chart, in one year the NHL with be saying Nick who?

 

[notbias]

Reaves has nothing to do with Robertson

You can keep saying that, but it is false.

What are the lineups? Are they set? Reaves is taking up a roster spot and is useless, that has everything to do with Robertson.

 

[Stephen]

Having bad relationships with players seems like a bad idea.

I don’t want any relationship with unreasonable people.

It sounds like he was jerked around a lot, not saying he is right, but I am unaware of the private convos that were had.

Sorry, what does a 22 year old on an ELC and an injury history that would make Lupul wince deserve more than he’s already gotten? More PP time? Tell that to veterans like Domi and Bertuzzi who also didn’t get prime PP time.

 

[notbias]

I don’t want any relationship with unreasonable people.

What were the conversations? You seem to know, so it'd be nice to know what was sad and requested.

Also, that's great, but this is a hockey team, not who you go have lunch with.

Sorry, what does a 22 year old on an ELC and an injury history that would make Lupul wince deserve more than he’s already gotten? More PP time? Tell that to veterans like Domi and Bertuzzi who also didn’t get prime PP time.

Bertuzzi deserved to be in the press box last year but we stuck with him, not sure why he is being brought up anyway.

Who mentioned the PP anyway?

Robertson produces well, we need more secondary scoring, what harm does it do to give him a look on the team for the first X games?

You know what you have in someone like Reaves, he is a terrible player who can fight, put him in the lineup if Robertson doesn't work.

Neither brings much defensively, and only one was given a fair shot on a decent line.

I don't care if Robertson stays with the team longterm, but it feels dumb to not try when there is a lot of potential there.

The quality of linemates and TOI are very different, I'd argue that Robertson had the more impressive numbers.

 

[ACC1224]

You can keep saying that, but it is false.

What are the lineups? Are they set? Reaves is taking up a roster spot and is useless, that has everything to do with Robertson.

It’s not false,
Knock yourself out of you feel they can fill the same role.

 

[notbias]

It’s not false,
Knock yourself out of you feel they can fill the same role.

Reaves is on the line we use in defensive situations... what role is he filling?

Does every team need a useless plug?

 

[Stephen]

You can keep saying that, but it is false.

What are the lineups? Are they set? Reaves is taking up a roster spot and is useless, that has everything to do with Robertson.

Both Reaves and Robertson are extremely specialized players who can’t really be compared.

Reaves is usually awful at 5 on 5 hockey but plays a massive enforcement and tone setting role in matchup situations. But there are moments when he’s out there to calm the waters or at least be out there when things are hostile.

Robertson is specialized sniper who is small and has poor hockey sense. He doesn’t know what he’s doing out there a good percentage of the time, presents as a weak exploitable link and is only intermittently a contributor offensively.

It’s not Reaves vs Robertson. It’s dependant on situation. And in an ideal situation it’s probably neither.

 

[ACC1224]

Reaves is on the line we use in defensive situations... what role is he filling?

Does every team need a useless plug?

Reaves plays about 5 or so minutes a game. He’s not there for defensive responsibility, Robertson wouldn’t be either.

 

[notbias]

Both Reaves and Robertson are extremely specialized players who can’t really be compared.

Reaves is usually awful at 5 on 5 hockey but plays a massive enforcement and tone setting role in matchup situations. But there are moments when he’s out there to calm the waters or at least be out there when things are hostile.

Robertson is specialized sniper who is small and has poor hockey sense. He doesn’t know what he’s doing out there a good percentage of the time, presents as a weak exploitable link and is only intermittently a contributor offensively.

It’s not Reaves vs Robertson. It’s dependant on situation. And in an ideal situation it’s probably neither.

I am over hearing how massive of a role Reaves plays by intimidating no one and sticking up for no one.

The only influence one of his hits had in the playoffs was a goal against.

Reaves plays about 5 or so minutes a game. He’s not there for defensive responsibility, Robertson wouldn’t be either.

Robertson would get the time in the offensive end, and Jarnkrok wouldn't need to be double shifting all the time because Reaves can't be on for defensive zone draws, this sounds perfect.

 

[Stephen]

You can keep saying that, but it is false.

What are the lineups? Are they set? Reaves is taking up a roster spot and is useless, that has everything to do with Robertson.

In an ideal world, a good Robertson would be buttoning up a 2 LW job in the top 6, competing with Matthew Knies and giving the Leafs their version of a Cole Caufield, poor man’s version…

The fact that he’s in the bottom 6 bin with misfit toys and utility pieces like Reaves, Holmberg, Jarnkrok means he isn’t where he needs to be at this stage in his career.

He’s got a clean slate to make an impression with a new GM and coach, but he doesn’t even look game to do that. What can you do?

 

[notbias]

In an ideal world, a good Robertson would be buttoning up a 2 LW job in the top 6, competing with Matthew Knies and giving the Leafs their version of a Cole Caufield, poor man’s version…

The fact that he’s in the bottom 6 bin with misfit toys and utility pieces like Reaves, Holmberg, Jarnkrok means he isn’t where he needs to be at this stage in his career.

He’s got a clean slate to make an impression with a new GM and coach, but he doesn’t even look game to do that. What can you do?

Are the Leafs running spread out offense or a stacked top 6 and a weird bottom 6 where no one is on the right line?

Also, at this point, Cole Caufield is looking like a poor man's Cole Caufield.