Maple Leafs pursue Robertson in bold move to fill Marner’s void
This summer marked a pivotal moment for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they navigated a significant roster transformation. General Manager Brad Treliving has managed to retain several cornerstone players, including Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Matthew Knies, and John Tavares. However, the situation surrounding Mitch Marner was markedly different.
After years of speculation about Marner’s future in Toronto, both the player and the franchise ultimately agreed that parting ways was the best decision. While this move was necessary, replacing a perennial 90-point scorer like Marner will be no easy feat, as such talents are scarce in the league.
A potential blockbuster trade
In light of Marner’s departure, Caleb Kerney from Heavy Sports has proposed an intriguing trade that could see the Maple Leafs acquire Jason Robertson, a dynamic winger known for his scoring prowess. Two years ago, Robertson tallied an impressive 109 points, highlighting his ability to perform at an elite level.
The proposed trade would involve the Maple Leafs sending Matias Maccelli, top prospect Easton Cowan, and additional draft picks to the Dallas Stars. The specifics of the trade are as follows:
Maple Leafs receive: Jason Robertson
Stars acquire: Matias Maccelli, Easton Cowan, a conditional 2026 third-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick
“This would be a massive trade for both teams,” Kerney stated. “The Maple Leafs acquire a superstar forward who can provide the offense lost from Mitch Marner’s departure. The Stars add two great young players and some important draft capital.”
Robertson’s impressive track record
The 26-year-old Robertson is a formidable player in his own right. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 207 pounds, he recently completed a season with 80 points, following a remarkable 46-goal, 109-point performance in the 2022-23 season. In return, the Stars would gain Maccelli, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound forward who recorded 18 points in 55 games last season, along with Cowan, a 6-foot, 185-pound prospect who scored an impressive 69 goals in 46 games for the OHL’s London Knights.
As Robertson heads into the final season of a four-year, $31 million extension he signed with the Stars in 2022, he will become a restricted free agent at season’s end.
Uncertain future in Dallas
Throughout the offseason, Robertson’s name surfaced in various trade rumors, particularly after the Stars faced another disappointing playoff exit. His inconsistent performance during the postseason raised questions about his future in Dallas, with speculation suggesting that the team might prefer to explore trade options rather than extend him with a lucrative new contract.
While the veracity of these trade discussions remains uncertain, the Stars recently committed to a massive long-term deal for Mikko Rantanen, adding to a payroll already filled with substantial contracts. As the new season approaches, the landscape of the Stars’ roster — and Robertson’s position within it — remains a topic of keen interest among fans and analysts alike.
