Toronto Maple Leafs trade Nick Robertson

The Toronto Maple Leafs kicked off Canada Day with a trade. 

Free agency is set to open on Wednesday, but Leafs GM John Chayka opted to start the day by making a deal.

Rumours have swirled around Toronto about the possibilities of both Sergei Bobrovsky and Zack Werenski, but Chayka opted to first trade forward Nick Robertson to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a fourth-round pick. 

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun was the first to break the news. 

for a 4th Rd pick https://t.co/UYE8m7tT1q

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2026

The 24-year-old Robertson was initially drafted 53rd overall by Toronto back in 2019 and is the younger brother of Dallas Stars superstar Jason Robertson. There was a lot of hype for Robertson in Toronto, but he struggled to live up to expectations with the Leafs. 

He hopped between the AHL and NHL for years before finally becoming a full-time player with the Leafs in 2024-25. Robertson appeared in 78 games with Toronto this past season, posting career highs in goals (16), assists (16), and points (32). 

Robertson was set to become a restricted free agent this summer, after previously signing a one-year, $1.825 million contract last August.