Report: Million dollar gap in Nick Robertson's arbitration with Maple Leafs
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Nick Robertson could go down to the wire this long weekend with the Maple Leafs as his salary arbitration hearing looms.
The winger, last of 11 restricted National Hockey League free agents trying to avoid a hearing, is set to face off against his club Sunday. Elliotte Friedeman of Sportsnet reported Friday that Robertson is seeking $2.25 million US, while the Leafs are countering at $1.25 million. Only a one or two-year contract can result through a judge if it gets to the hearing stage, while the two sides have right up to the moment proceedings begin to still reach a deal at another figure.
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Report: Million dollar gap in Nick Robertson's arbitration with Maple Leafs Back to video
The Leafs have $2.9 million in remaining cap space according to the salary web site PuckPedia, with Robertson likely their last in-house signing project. But the lack of a deal to date underlines the difficulty in setting a value for the 23-year-old, coming off the last year of his $875,000 entry contract.
He had 15 goals in 69 games last season, yet made it into just three playoff games and became known for a certain consistent inconsistency, scoring in his return after being benched for stretches of games.
Drafted by Toronto in the second round of 2019, he was open to a trade last summer, but decided on another year under new coach Craig Berube. That possibility can’t be ignored pending Sunday’s developments.
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