Nick Robertson has been traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 4th-round pick, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports.

Robertson recorded a career-best 16 goals and 32 points in 78 games with the Maple Leafs, fluctuating between a top-six and bottom-six winger in Craig Berube’s system. The 24-year-old was presented with a qualifying offer from the Maple Leafs ahead of free agency. Ultimately, Toronto may have found Robertson’s skill set to be redundant with the 2026-27 roster, as general manager John Chayka shapes the roster in his own visage.

It was a fascinating tenure for Robertson with the Maple Leafs. He reportedly requested a trade, then rescinded the request ahead of the 2024-25 season. Robertson broke onto the scene during the 2020 playoffs, scoring against the Columbus Blue Jackets. His shot and ability to generate offence were always attractive qualities, along with his tenacity, but his inability to win puck battles and inattention to the defensive side of the puck made him a frustrating player to track, at times.

Toronto will now revamp its bottom-six, primarily through free agency. Gavin McKenna will join Auston Matthews on Toronto’s top line, while Chayka has primarily addressed the defence corps via trades, after being appointed as general manager. Toronto is widely expected to be in the mix for Patrick Kane and Eeli Tolvanen, two players that may have pushed Robertson out of the lineup. It will be compelling to see where the Maple Leafs place their bets, when adding wingers and scoring depth this offseason.

Robertson is now reunited with Penguins GM Kyle Dubas, who drafted him to the Maple Leafs. It’s likely that Robertson will gain a top-six role with the Penguins, where his speed, shot and scoring touch will certainly be welcomed on an aging roster that overperformed, relative to expectations last season.

The Leafs Nation will keep you posted on every trade and transaction throughout the day!