The Maple Leafs are facing a shortage of draft picks for next year’s NHL Entry Draft, especially without a first-round selection. According to an insider, trading Nick Robertson and Connor Timmins could resolve this issue.
As they prepare for the 2024-25 NHL season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have high expectations amidst a complicated salary cap scenario. While they work on finalizing their roster before opening night, challenging decisions regarding their young talent, including Robertson and Timmins, are on the horizon. With a full roster, particularly after Max Pacioretty’s anticipated arrival, and a limited number of draft picks, these talented players might be moved in exchange for draft capital to address salary cap challenges and strengthen the team’s future prospects, according to an NHL insider.
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The Leafs have built a roster filled with stars, featuring talents like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares. However, the difficulty lies in fitting those substantial contracts under the salary cap while maintaining a competitive supporting cast, a challenge that has persistently troubled general manager Brad Treliving. Currently, there isn’t any room for Nick Robertson on the left wing, which is already occupied by Matthew Knies, Max Domi, Easton Cowan, and the newly acquired Max Pacioretty.
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This year is no exception, as Toronto approaches the salary cap limit following offseason acquisitions like Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Chris Tanev, Anthony Stolarz, Steven Lorentz, and Max Pacioretty. While these additions boost the Leafs’ chances of competing right away, they also make the salary cap situation more complicated, increasing the need for Toronto to trade some of their younger, cost-effective players.
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Nick Robertson, 23, has long been seen as a player with great potential. Drafted 53rd overall in 2019, he displayed impressive scoring skills in junior hockey and has shown glimpses of his talent during his limited time with the Maple Leafs. However, injuries, particularly recurring shoulder problems, have hindered his progression into a full-time NHL role.
Despite this, he remains a valuable asset as a young and talented offensive forward. However, with the recent addition of Max Pacioretty, the Leafs’ forward lineup is quite deep, making his role less certain at this point. Trading him to a team that can provide the ice time and opportunity he needs to develop could benefit both him and the organization, potentially resulting in a win-win situation.
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Conor Timmins, who was acquired by the Toronto Maple Leafs from the Arizona Coyotes during the 2022-23 season, has demonstrated potential as a dependable defenseman with offensive capabilities. He adds size, puck-moving skills, and a right-handed shot to a Leafs blue line already rich in talent, especially with the recent signings of Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Chris Tanev. Unfortunately, there just isn’t space for Timmins on the current roster.
Facilitating trades for both Nick Robertson and Conor Timmins could help address the Leafs’ draft pick shortage. Due to a series of trades aimed at maintaining short-term competitiveness, the Leafs have left themselves with very few picks for the upcoming 2025 NHL Entry Draft, including the absence of a first-round pick, which poses a significant challenge for the franchise.
By trading Robertson and Timmins, the Leafs could acquire multiple draft picks to help replenish their pool. They could also target some top prospects as an alternative strategy. The aim is to ensure long-term competitiveness, which can be tough on fans, but it is a necessary reality. Accumulating draft capital is crucial for sustained success, and such moves would provide the team with essential flexibility in building their roster.
This scenario could be beneficial for everyone involved: the Leafs would maintain competitiveness, alleviate salary cap concerns, gain valuable draft picks and prospects for the future, and address Nick Robertson’s trade request. What could possibly go wrong, right, Leafs fans?
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As the Leafs enter training camp and work on finalizing their roster, attention will remain on the future of Nick Robertson and Conor Timmins. Whether they start the season in Toronto or are traded for valuable assets, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the franchise’s direction.
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