The Pittsburgh Penguins expected to make a postseason run in the 2023-24 season subsequent to neglecting to make the end of the season games in 2023. Nonetheless, they missed the mark regarding assumptions and couldn’t secure that compartment.
Regardless of a late-season push, the Penguins neglected to get a season finisher spot and they should choose whether to work for the post-Sidney Crosby future or allow the long-term chief an opportunity at winning another Cup.
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have obtained forward Kevin Hayes and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL draft for future contemplations.
In light of their new moves, the Penguins are strolling the last way. Last season, they added veterans, for example, defensemen Ryan Graves and Erik Karlsson, and forward Lars Eller. This offseason, Pittsburgh landed veteran Kevin Hayes.
That doesn’t mean the establishment can’t hope to continue to add parts of the list, strikingly a piece more youthful players that can help the group now and not too far off.
According to Tristin McKinstry of Grip Focuses, a potential exchange target could be disappointed Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nicholas Robertson. The forward finished his entrance level arrangement with the Maple Leafs, turning into a confined free specialist on July 1. He stays unsigned as of July 15.
Penguins GM Kyle Dubas Drafted Scratch Robertson in Toronto
The Maple Leafs named current Penguins leader of hockey activities Kyle Dubas their GM in May 2018. He left for Pittsburgh in 2023. Scratch Robertson was one of Dubas’ most memorable draft picks in Toronto.
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The Leafs drafted him with the No. 53 pick of the 2019 NHL draft falling off the OHL. McKinstry thinks the generally existing connection among Dubas and Robertson could work with a get-together.
“One of [the] more striking moves the Penguins made the previous summer didn’t include a player. Rather, it was an adjustment of their front office structure. Previous Toronto Maple Leafs senior supervisor Kyle Dubas joined Pittsburgh after his agreement lapsed,” McKinstry composed. “He spent several years in Toronto as their front office leader. Furthermore, one choice he made was to draft forward Nicholas Robertson in 2019.
“Maybe Dubas can draw out the potential he found in the previous Peterborough Petes star back during the 2019 NHL Draft.”
Robertson, for what’s worth, has just played 87 standard season games since appearing in the 2020-21 season (included). He has scored 17 objectives and helped 17 for 34 absolute places. During the 2023-24 season, Robertson scored 14 objectives and 13 aids 56 games however neglected to score a solitary point in six season finisher excursions.
As McKinstry brings up, Robertson has mentioned an exchange in view of his battles in Toronto and could profit from a new beginning.
“Robertson has not had the least demanding time in proficient hockey (… ) He has battled with wounds since turning ace,” McKinstry composed. “[Robertson’s stats] aren’t eye-popping numbers from the 22-year-old. However, they propose that he can offer a benefit to a group on the off chance that he gets a job in the NHL. Robertson has mentioned an exchange from the Maple Leafs this mid year.”
Robertson’s Exchange Solicitation Recognized by Maple Leafs GM
Robertson informed the Maple Leafs in front of free organization on July 1 that he didn’t mean to sign an agreement expansion, per NHL insider Chris Johnston. Toronto, nonetheless, broadened the confined free specialist a passing proposal on June 30.
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving appeared to affirm the bits of gossip without unequivocally referencing Robertson’s exchange demand.
“Clearly, I have realized that there was some dissatisfaction with Scratch, however we view at Scratch as a superb player. There’s extraordinary chance for Scratch here. We really want him to be a decent player for us,” Treliving said on July 1 by means of TSN’s Imprint Bosses.
In a meeting with Sportsnet’s Luke Fox distributed on April 11, Robertson communicated vulnerability about his future with the Leafs.
“It’s my first [negotiation]. I can’t say I’m concerned regarding it now; I don’t actually have any idea the way this functions. Yet, I haven’t heard anything. I simply play. However, it’s sort of pleasant knowing that [my specialist will manage it]. I need to play and allow him to stress over that,” Robertson said.
AFP Investigation projects Robertson to sign a two-year, $2.7 million agreement with a cap hit somewhat above $1.3 million.
As per PuckPedia, the Penguins actually have $3.5 million in cap space. That ought to be sufficient to finish a sign-and-exchange for Robertson assuming they wind up focusing on the Maple Leafs forward.
Antonio Losada covers the NHL for Heavy.com. A veteran games essayist, Antonio takes care of the NBA, NFL and soccer for north of 10 years, with bylines at SB Country, FanSided, Hurray Sports, FanGraphs, RotoBaller and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. He has additionally been designated for different FSWA grants, including Dream Football Author of the Year and DFS Essayist of the Year. More about Antonio Losada
