Canucks Seek Nick Robertson to Offset Hoglander’s Injury and Enhance Roster Depth
The Vancouver Canucks anticipated that their depth would face challenges this season, but the reality struck sooner than expected. Nils Hoglander, who has established himself as a dynamic middle-six forward, sustained a significant injury during a preseason matchup against the Calgary Flames on September 24. While the severity of the injury was initially unclear, reports surfaced recently indicating that Hoglander underwent surgery for a lower-body injury, sidelining him for an estimated 8-10 weeks. This absence creates a complex void that extends beyond mere numbers.
Hoglander’s contributions went beyond being just another winger. His pace, tenacity, and scoring ability provided much-needed stability to the Canucks’ forward lines. In a roster that leans heavily on star power but lacks reliable depth, his injury amplifies existing concerns. General manager Patrik Allvin faces a pressing dilemma: finding a viable replacement for Hoglander. The internal options appear limited, and this reality raises the question of whether the Canucks should explore the trade market for a solution.
Toronto’s Nick Robertson: A Potential Trade Target
Among potential trade candidates, Nick Robertson of the Toronto Maple Leafs stands out as a fitting option. The forward’s journey in Toronto has been a mix of promise and frustration. Initially hailed as a second-round draft steal with the potential to become a prolific scorer, Robertson’s progression has been hampered by injuries and an inconsistent role within the crowded Maple Leafs lineup.
This summer, he signed a one-year restricted free agent deal, but his future in Toronto remains uncertain. Recent analyses have outlined three potential paths for Robertson: secure a consistent role with the Maple Leafs, be traded elsewhere for assistance, or risk sliding back into the AHL. At just 24 years old and still possessing significant upside, the latter two scenarios are increasingly plausible.
The Maple Leafs are reportedly open to discussions about several depth forwards, including Robertson. His history of scoring—14 goals two seasons ago and 15 last season—demonstrates his capability in spurts. However, with the forward group in Toronto being so competitive, he hasn’t gained the trust of head coach Craig Berube like other players have. As a result, he has become somewhat of a luxury asset, and such luxuries can be difficult to maintain in a cap-strapped environment.
Mutual Benefit for Both Teams
The timing of this potential trade could favor both franchises. Toronto is facing a thin draft pick pool for the 2026 draft, a consequence of their aggressive pursuit of contention in recent years. Despite a dip in Robertson’s trade value compared to his peak as a prospect, it remains substantial enough for the Maple Leafs to consider moving him for a meaningful return, such as a second-round pick.
For the Canucks, acquiring Robertson could be a seamless fit. His skill set aligns directly with the gap left by Hoglander’s absence, creating an opportunity for him to step into the lineup and contribute immediately. Additionally, Robertson is cost-effective and remains under team control, making him an attractive option beyond just a short-term fix.
A second-round pick may seem significant, but for a Canucks team looking to bolster its roster around Elias Pettersson, this investment could yield both immediate insurance and potential long-term rewards. Robertson doesn’t need to emerge as a superstar; rather, he must replicate the reliability that Hoglander was beginning to offer—energetic, dependable, and capable of making impactful plays when it matters most.
In the face of adversity, the Canucks have a chance to turn Hoglander’s injury into a strategic advantage. Rather than resorting to AHL call-ups, they could pursue a player who aligns with their core’s age and aspirations, while Toronto seeks to replenish its draft capital. On paper, this trade scenario appears to be one of those rare instances where both teams could find a mutually beneficial outcome.
