"That's up to Craig to answer" - Nick Robertson on Maple Leafs future, role with team after U-turn on trade request

By Zachary Roberts

Modified Sep 20, 2024 14:44 GMT

It has been a whirlwind few months for Nick Robertson who inked a one-year deal to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The disgruntled star had previously requested a trade and was intent on not playing for the Leafs again but had a change of heart leading into training camp and the preseason.

Despite rampant questions about his decision-making process, the player refused to go into detail about how he landed back with the Leafs. Instead, according to The Hockey News, he said:

"I'm not going to deep dive into that. I signed in Toronto. I'm happy to be in Toronto. Being back here a week ago, it's good to see everyone. I'm happy to be back."

Robertson completed his first session in training camp on Thursday. He said he was happy to sign with the team and that it happened at the right time for him. The NHL star added:

"I had a great summer. It was the best summer of my career. Like I said, I'm not coming off an injury, thankfully. My conditioning feels good, my body feels good, and I'm looking forward to this camp."

The deal is only for one year and $875,000, so he will enter unrestricted free agency the following offseason.

When asked about his role and competition for depth, Robertson said:

"I guess that's up to Craig to answer. For me, I know I've got to come in and work hard and build on what I had last year. I had some confidence, obviously, with the season. I'll just work with my linemates and get to know the new system and go from there."

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Craig Berube reveals what he said to Nick Robertson

Playing time seemed to be a central issue for Nick Robertson, and it was something coach Craig Berube wanted to address head-on. He wanted Robertson back and he made it a point to communicate with him over the offseason in an attempt to smooth things over.

Nick Robertson re-signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs (Imagn)

Via The Hockey News, Berube said:

"I didn't focus on the contract stuff, has nothing to do with me. I just said, 'I'd love you to come to camp and hope you're here. And, you know, with your ability and speed and youth, (you'd) be a good addition to our team.' As he was last year, but just that stuff."

It's not known if Nick Robertson was impacted much by Berube's efforts since he was a restricted free agent and didn't have much leverage in any negotiation, with the player re-signing shortly after.