Pittsburgh Penguins may offer sheet Leafs' Nick Robertson, opines Dan Kingerski

By ARJUN B

Modified Sep 01, 2024 04:18 GMT

The Pittsburgh Penguins may be considering an offer sheet for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson, according to hockey analyst Dan Kingerski.

Robertson was drafted by the Leafs in the second round in 2019 and has split time between the NHL and AHL over the past few seasons.

Last year, Robertson played 56 NHL games, scoring 14 goals and 13 assists. However, feeling underutilized, Robertson reportedly requested a trade this summer.

The situation draws parallels to the offer sheet saga involving Dylan Holloway, whom the St. Louis Blues successfully acquired from the Edmonton Oilers. Like Holloway, Robertson is seen as an unproven but talented player whose development has been slower than expected.

"The Penguins could offer-sheet him. Anything below $2.29 million will cost the offering team only a third-rounder." Kingerski wrote on pittsburghhockeynow.com.

The affordable price tag adds to the appeal of the transition and also due to Dubas’ prior experience with Robertson during his Toronto days.

With only $1.275 million in cap space and 12 forwards on the roster, the Maple Leafs have limited flexibility. Add to this the emergence of prospects Easton Cowan and Minten Fraser, and Toronto's forward depth becomes even more complicated.

Kingerski speculates that Leafs GM Brad Treliving might match a $2.29 million offer to facilitate a better trade. However, a more creative solution could be in the works.

“Let’s say Dubas sends someone off his NHL roster, such as Cody Glass (with a 50% salary holdback), to Toronto for future considerations, then offer sheets Robertson, who agrees to about a $2 million deal.

Toronto accepts the trade and declines to match, thus also receiving the Penguins 2025 third-rounder.” Kingerski said.

This complex maneuver would mirror the Blues' acquisition of Holloway and Philip Broberg, where a secondary trade smoothened the transaction.

Another option for the Pittsburgh Penguins to acquire Nick Robertson

There may be an easier route for the Pittsburgh Penguins to land Nick Robertson than an offer sheet. As analyst Dan Kingerski proposes,

"The simpler path is a straight-up trade—perhaps even a sign-and-trade. Robertson signs a three-year, $6 million deal, and Dubas sends Toronto a player with value."

This path would avoid any offer sheet complications and salary cap gymnastics for the Pittsburgh Penguins.