The trade speculation surrounding Nicholas Robertson gained new traction on Wednesday as The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel and Chris Johnston named two potential suitors for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward.
According to Siegel and Johnston, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets have emerged as potential suitors for the Toronto Maple Leafs forward.
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The update builds on Tuesday’s report from TSN’s Darren Dreger, who said general manager Brad Treliving “has recently talked with clubs that may have some interest in Nick Robertson.”
Siegel and Johnston expanded on that report, noting that while Toronto has struggled to find the right return, “two teams that might eventually fit the bill” are Pittsburgh and Columbus.
According to the report, the Penguins’ interest stems from their ongoing rebuild and a focus on acquiring players with Robertson’s profile.
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“The Penguins are in the throes of a rebuild and have targeted players in Robertson’s age range with upside over the last year,” The Athletic reported.
The link to former Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas, now in charge of hockey operations in Pittsburgh, also adds familiarity, as Dubas drafted Robertson in the 2019 draft with the No. 53 overall pick.
Columbus’ interest appears less pressing, but The Athletic made clear the Blue Jackets have already had talks with Toronto about Robertson.
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“Columbus doesn’t have the same apparent need for a scoring winger,” The Athletic reported. “However, the Blue Jackets have at least taken a call on the player.”
Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Nicholas Robertson (89) celebrates with a teammate.Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Robertson’s place in Toronto has remained uncertain since his 2024 trade request. The 24-year-old re-signed on a one-year, $1.825 million deal last August.
Robertson has appeared in all four regular-season games this season, assisting on one goal while averaging just over 11 minutes per game.
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With injured forwards Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz nearing returns, the Leafs’ roster flexibility could soon change, creating space for a trade to address their top-six depth.
Toronto (2–2–0) hosts the New York Rangers on Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena, with Robertson’s future once again hanging in the balance.
Related: Maple Leafs Reportedly Receiving Trade Calls on Bottom-Six Forward
Related: William Nylander Reacts to Craig Berube’s Comments After Maple Leafs’ Win
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.