The Toronto Maple Leafs finalized a one-year, $1.825 million contract with restricted free agent (RFA) forward Nick Robertson on Saturday, avoiding an arbitration hearing set for the following day. While the agreement resolves immediate contract uncertainty, some critics argue the deal overvalues Robertson’s potential contributions.
Examining Other Players Available Within Robertson’s Salary Range
Several alternative players could have been considered by the Maple Leafs, each offering comparable or greater value at or below Robertson’s $1.825 million cap hit. These options bring varying degrees of experience and versatility to a team seeking depth scoring and reliable roles across its lineup.
Victor Olofsson, a 30-year-old winger from the Vegas Golden Knights, remains a free agent after scoring 15 goals and totaling 29 points in 56 games last season—numbers comparable to Robertson’s recent output. Olofsson signed his previous contract for $1.075 million, making him a potentially cost-effective pick. Known for his ability to play both wings, Olofsson would offer depth and flexibility to the Maple Leafs’ bottom-six forward group, a useful asset given the demands of an NHL season.
Nick Bjugstad, a 33-year-old center, recently signed a two-year, $1.75 million average annual value (AAV) deal with the St. Louis Blues after a decline in production last season, where he scored eight goals in 66 games. Despite recent struggles, Bjugstad’s experience and adaptability allow him to fill multiple roles on a team, characteristics highly valued by coaches like Craig Berube. Unlike Robertson, Bjugstad possesses proven NHL versatility, which could have been leveraged by the Maple Leafs to maximize their salary cap efficiency.
Corey Perry’s Potential Contribution Compared to Nick Robertson
Corey Perry, signed by the Los Angeles Kings this offseason for $2 million on a one-year contract, stands out as a veteran forward directly comparable in cost to Robertson’s new deal. At 41 years old, Perry delivered a solid season with the Edmonton Oilers, recording 19 goals and 30 points in 81 games. His experience in the playoffs and established scoring ability would bring reliable depth to the Maple Leafs’ middle six forwards.
Although questions remain about how much longer Perry can sustain this level of play, his proven track record and leadership presence could have provided greater immediate value than Robertson, whose role on the Leafs roster is less certain at this stage. Adding Perry might have addressed the Maple Leafs’ need for seasoned secondary scoring, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Reflecting on the Maple Leafs’ Roster Decisions
The decision to retain Nick Robertson at $1.825 million represents the Maple Leafs’ confidence in his development, but the team also had access to several other players capable of fulfilling similar or more versatile roles at comparable or lower costs. Veterans like Corey Perry and Nick Bjugstad bring established NHL experience and flexibility that could prove important over the course of a demanding season.
Choosing between younger potential and veteran reliability reflects a broader challenge in roster construction—balancing future upside with current team needs. As the Maple Leafs progress through the season, the impact of their contract decisions, including whether Robertson lives up to his salary, will become clearer.