Hockey insider believes Leafs, Robertson can still work together

«There's a pretty clear path for him to be part of the mix at left wing, to potentially have a role that exceeds what he's had in the past, but at this stage, Nick Robertson doesn't seem inclined to sign in Toronto and is sticking to the idea that he'd like to play somewhere else,"

"I think they have to kind of sort that out first," Johnston said. "It's not as though there are five or six high-quality players out there that could play that position that could be signed but I think that obviously the organization recognizes this is a scenario that they're going to have to address, especially if Robertson isn't part of the plans."

"It really comes down to the player," Johnston said. "Does the player have the desire or the ability to stick to a trade request or as it gets closer to camp and if the Leafs decide not trade him or they can't find one that makes sense, is he really going to sit out? Nick Robertson's 22 years old, the Leafs have changed head coaches. He's concerned about is his role over the last couple of years that he's been yo-yoed a little bit.

This year, he would need waivers, it's not as though he's going to be sent to the minors, I wouldn't think. He's got a chance to play for a new coach and the Leafs don't have as many players ahead of him on the depth chart as they've had. So I think there's definitely a path, and a real one, not just lip service, for him to have a bigger role, so ultimately we've got to see what they decide. I think it makes the most sense for the Leafs to keep him, but obviously at a certain point that would require Nick to sign a contract and be willing to come to camp."

"Maybe they make a side agree, 'OK sign this one-year deal and if it's not working at a certain point, we will move you.' I don't know how it's going to play out, but I do think it makes a lot of sense from his end and the Leafs end to ultimately end up together.»