New Contract Won’t Save Maple Leafs' 'Bubble Guy' From Waivers, Claims Former NHLer

New Contract Won’t Save Maple Leafs’ ‘Bubble Guy’ From Waivers, Claims Former NHLer originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jay Rosehill didn’t hold back when asked about Nicholas Robertson’s new contract with the Leafs.

During Tuesday’s episode of the “Leafs Morning Take” show, Rosehill didn’t mince words in criticizing Toronto’s decision to give the 23-year-old a one-year, $1.825 million extension on the verge of arbitration.

Truth be told, Robertson avoided a potentially ugly arbitration process, but he still remains in a precarious position within the organization, given his diminished role and questionable fit.

The winger is expected to battle for a bottom-six role in training camp, but Toronto’s depth on the wing makes it likely he could again find himself as a healthy scratch more often than not, if not being placed on waivers outright.

“I wish the companies I worked for gave me a million-dollar bonus when they probably weren’t really going to utilize any of my assets,” Rosehill said, suggesting the Leafs are rewarding a player they have no real plan to use, as it has been the case for the last five years and running.

‘Bubble Guy’ Status Sparks Nick Robertson Trade Talk

According to Rosehill, Robertson has not earned a roster spot, nor does he bring enough value to justify staying in the lineup on a daily basis.

“(The extension) is good for him, I just don’t know what the future is,” Rosehill said. “He’s always kind of, it seems like he wants to be here, but he’s kind of offended they don’t want him as much as he thinks they should. He’s just one of those bubble guys.”

Rosehill’s thoughts add to growing speculation that Toronto may still move Robertson before his recently signed contract is over in a year.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently touched on the speculation, discussing possible trades to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Maple Leafs’ Depth Leaves No Clear NHL Role for Robertson

Even with the pay bump, Robertson is projected to start on Toronto’s third line, possibly alongside Max Pacioretty (still not signed to a contract extension) and Pontus Holmberg.

However, the return of players like Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf — both viewed as potential trade pieces themselves — further complicates the picture.

If a trade doesn’t materialize, Rosehill believes that Robertson will eventually hit waivers and be forced to get some reps in the minors, playing for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies while the Maple Leafs wait for him to improve his game.

“In my mind, I feel like this is a signing to say, ‘Hey, we’re not writing you off. We’re still going to keep you around. Here’s a raise,” Rosehill said. “You’re probably going to be on waivers at some point in time, and if some (team) picks you up, that’s life.

“But if not, we expect you to be playing on the Marlies and playing well and getting your chance to come up because we don’t know what’s going to happen with injuries.”

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.

New Contract Won’t Save Maple Leafs’ ‘Bubble Guy’ From Waivers, Claims Former NHLer

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