TSN: Chris Johnston on Overdrive with Bryan Hayes and Frank Corrado on the contract scenario between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nick Robertson, and Robertson’s need to maneuver on from the crew. Might the Maple Leafs herald some PTOs if Robertson isn’t in camp.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
Hayes: “The place do you stand or what, the place do the Leafs stand on this Nick Robertson scenario?”
Johnston: “You understand, it’s type of at a standstill proper now. You understand, my understanding is Nick Robertson’s need to maneuver on hasn’t modified. You understand however the reality stays, he’s a restricted free agent. He solely has so many rights.
Basically, if he doesn’t wish to signal a contract and the group decides to not transfer him, actually all he may do is miss time and attempt to put strain on the crew that approach. However clearly it comes at a value to him, each by way of getting on top of things in coaching camp and probably taking part in video games, and clearly the monetary value.
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And so, you already know, I don’t know the way it is going to be resolved, however you already know, as we’re getting actually near the beginning of September right here, it doesn’t appear to be a decision in sight. And you already know, one factor Brad Treliving mentioned again on July 1 is, you already know, the Leafs have a necessity for Nick Robertson.
I imply, he’s, he’s acquired an incredible alternative this season, each due to, I believe, what he confirmed final yr, the truth that it (dissipates to his age?) to get higher, but additionally the dearth of, you already know, they don’t have as a lot depth left wing as they’ve in some years passed by.
And so, you already know, perhaps there’s a path to rebuild issues. However proper now, you already know, it doesn’t appear that, it’s not an apparent resolution on the market that I see. It seems perhaps the sport of rooster will go on a little bit bit longer.”
Corrado: “Do you assume it’s a type of conditions, CJ, the place they present as much as camp and so they say, that is your spot if you happen to go on the market and present us you’re able to it? Or is there extra of a, I don’t know, some PTOs that get signed, and perhaps they hedge their bets in opposition to that truly occurring.”
Johnston: “It might be each. And I believe it’s important to have an understanding 100% the place issues are at with Robertson, as a result of clearly, you’re attending to a spot the place he really isn’t going to be again subsequent season. You understand, you’re gonna have a little bit bit more cash to play with below the cap, and also you’ll have a bit extra of a roster spot to fill, you already know.
So within the meantime, I believe it’s honest to imagine you see a PTO. I imply, these can profit the crew a numbers stage. You get a free take a look at a participant. You get veteran gamers in that aid you attain the minimal once you’re taking part in all these preseason video games.
You understand, so I believe numerous it can hinge on how precisely it unfolds with Robertson. They usually’ve acquired three weeks or so from now, a little bit bit extra earlier than camp opens, I believe, to get that readability earlier than the signal the place to go.
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However I imply that the very fact of the matter stays, this isn’t actually a ton of choices on the open market, unsigned, at this cut-off date. There’s not numerous apparent upgrades or something like that. You’re taking a look at gamers which are depth choices, veterans attempting to squeeze one other yr out of their profession.
And so, you already know, there’s most likely various ways in which that they will deal with that gap if there’s one, however I believe, first, they’ve to find out if there’s really going to be a gap there, for positive.”
