Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The official timeline for the Toronto Maple Leafs to come to terms with Restricted Free Agent Nick Robertson has been set for August 4th.
The official arbitration hearings for unsigned players have begun today, lasting until August 4th in which an RFA goes through the process of the team and player’s representatives offering their own idea of a player’s contract worth, with an arbiter coming to the conclusion or what will be the contract the player goes with, unless a team settles before that decision is handed down.
Robertson, who is currently unsigned and still seeking a contract, is one of seven players still without contract and headed to arbitration to settle things between the two sides.Along with Robertson, former Toronto Maple Leafs and current Buffalo Sabres defenseman Conor Timmins has also filed for arbitration. Other notable names are former second overall pick Kaapo Kakko and Russian winger Maxim Tsyplakov, a player the Leafs targeted while unsigned in the KHL, who ultimately picked the New York Islanders.A challenge exists for Toronto as the Leafs already have 14 forwards under contract with the recent trade for Dakota Joshua from the Vancouver Canucks, adding to a roster spot left unfilled with the departure of Ryan Reaves to San Jose.
With Robertson unsigned, agreeing to terms would make him the 15th forward in the Leafs system in contention for a spot in the lineup.
What Does Nick Robertson’s Arbitration Process Look Like?
The process for Nick Robertson could very well be a long, drawn-out one depending on how far apart the two sides are in contract demands.
Last season, Robertson signed a one-year deal at $875K, and will likely get an upgrade on that deal with a contract over $1M.
Robertson had 15 goals and 22 points in 69 games for Toronto this season, which are fair numbers for a 23-year-old, but understandably separation exists.
On the one hand, Robertson has proven that he can be an offensive player who can score and has shown himself as someone who can be impactful when needed.
On the other hand, the Toronto Maple Leafs will point to the fact that Robertson was benched in the playoffs, and has only career high of 27 points while being uncertain of a place in the lineup.
Robertson has earned a raise into the million dollar category, but it’s a matter of how much. What could be the real seperation isn’t based on dollars and years, but the 14 other forwards in the roster who once again does not guarantee a lineup spot for him.Assuming that one of those 14 forwards are waived and sent down to the Marlies, most likely that player to be Michael Pezzetta, that still leaves 13 forwards + Robertson.It would not be a surprise, and a strong possibility, one or both of Calle Järnkrok and David Kämpf moved on from, leaving Robertson with a potential spot.It’s also possible Robertson is left to have his contract dispute settled, and then immediately shipped off to a team that would use him in their lineup, similar to Timothy Liljegren‘s trade to San Jose when it was clear he wasn’t going to play for Toronto but the Sharks saw value in the blueliner.
However things shake up, the Leafs still have a crowded roster room, that even moving Nick Robertson doesn’t solve, but would give them such needed clarity on their roster situation for the season ahead.
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Arbitration Timeline Set for Nick Robertson and Former Maple Leafs Defenseman
Should Nick Robertson be on the Leafs next season?