Chicago Blackhawks named landing spot for disgruntled Maple Leafs forward

For the second year in a row, the 23-year-old restricted free agent Nicholas Robertson agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, this time avoiding salary arbitration and signing only a few days before the scheduled hearing.

Drafted 53rd overall by the Leafs in 2019, the player has only taken part in 156 NHL games in his career, often being scratched or going back and forth with the Marlies in the AHL.

Despite a career-high 69-game, 15-goal season last year and a brand new contract in Toronto, many rumors state Robertson could finally get traded this year.

After acquiring Spencer Knight at the last trade deadline and drafting some interesting players this summer, the Chicago Blackhawks didn't make significant additions to the lineup in free agency or the trade market.

However, some fans were hoping to see GM Kyle Davidson make moves to improve the team for opening night.

To fill the holes in his lineup, Davidson could be tempted to inquire about Robertson with the Leafs.

While his brother Jason would be a much more interesting target, Nicholas has a lot of untapped potential, and the cost to acquire him would be significantly lower than Jason's.

Not only would Robertson help relieve some of the pressure off the Hawks' young guns' shoulders by providing top-nine offensive production, but if he actually manages to reach his full potential and has a breakout season, he could do even more for the team.

Toronto's great offensive depth has hurt Robertson's development over the years. It'll be interesting to see how Robertson fares this season. With Treliving being very active in free agency and the trade market during the summer, notably acquiring Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy, Mattias Maccelli, and Michael Pezzetta, there will be a lot of candidates to play on the Leafs' bottom six.

If he wants to remain with the Leafs all season, he'll need to prove to his coaching staff that he deserves a spot by contributing to his team's success.