​TORONTO, CANADA — SEPTEMBER 28: Nick Robertson #89 of the Toronto Maple Leafs reacts after scoring against the Montreal Canadiens during an NHL preseason matchup at Scotiabank Arena on September 28, 2022, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
Nick Robertson’s time with the Toronto Maple Leafs officially ended earlier this offseason when the organization traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. The move brought an end to a long and often challenging chapter for Robertson, who had spent his entire professional career trying to carve out a consistent role with the Maple Leafs.
Robertson was originally drafted by Toronto in the second round, 53rd overall, in the 2019 NHL Draft. Now, he is getting a fresh opportunity in Pittsburgh under Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas, the same executive who previously held that role with the Maple Leafs and was part of the front office that brought Robertson into the Toronto organization.
With the trade now behind him, Robertson has opened up about what his experience was like with the Maple Leafs and what he expects from the next stage of his NHL career.
During an appearance on TSN’s OverDrive, the former Toronto Maple Leafs forward reflected on the pressure and competition that came with playing for one of the NHL’s most high-profile franchises. Robertson admitted that, because of the talent level in Toronto, he felt he needed to perform at his best every time he had a chance to be in the lineup.
“Toronto is such a talented team, and I would get in the mix with some players and I had to be on my game all the time,” Robertson said. He noted that this was true under different coaching staffs, including his early experiences with Mike Babcock and later under Sheldon Keefe. For Robertson, there was rarely room to become comfortable, whether he was pushing for a bigger role or trying to hold onto the one he had earned.
Although that situation was demanding, Robertson also suggested it may have helped him grow as a player. He described the constant pressure as something that could be viewed as a “blessing in disguise” because it forced him to keep working. Whether he was moving up or down the lineup, Robertson said the challenge was always to prove he belonged and to continue earning more trust.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are known for being one of hockey’s most intense markets, and Robertson acknowledged that the environment played a major role in his experience. Between the expectations of the fan base, the attention surrounding the team and the pace of the city itself, playing in Toronto can be overwhelming for any young player trying to establish himself in the NHL.
Robertson said the move to Pittsburgh represents a major change in nearly every way. From the rink to life away from the arena, and from the facilities to the overall atmosphere around the team, he sees the trade as a chance to reset. He also spoke highly of what he has heard about the Penguins organization, including its staff and facilities.
“Toronto, with the market there and even just the city, it’s pretty ‘go, go, go’ with the Maple Leafs,” Robertson said. He added that being traded to Pittsburgh was an exciting development and that he is looking forward to arriving and getting started with his new teammates.
Robertson joins the Pittsburgh Penguins after six seasons in the Maple Leafs organization. Over that time, he gradually worked his way toward becoming a regular NHL contributor. During the 2025-26 season, the 5-foot-9, 180-pound forward enjoyed the most productive campaign of his career, recording 16 goals and 16 assists for 32 points in 78 games. His 16 goals ranked sixth among Maple Leafs players, showing that he was capable of providing secondary scoring when given the opportunity.
Across his NHL career with Toronto, Robertson appeared in 234 regular-season games. He totaled 48 goals and 40 assists for 88 points, giving the Penguins a young forward with offensive upside and NHL experience. He also played in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Maple Leafs, where he registered three points on two goals and one assist.
Before becoming a full-time NHL player, Robertson also spent time developing with the Toronto Marlies, the Maple Leafs’ American Hockey League affiliate. That experience helped him adjust to the professional game and continue building the habits needed to compete at the NHL level.
Now with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Robertson will look to make the most of a new opportunity. The trade gives him a fresh start with an organization led by a general manager who knows him well. For the Penguins, the deal adds a skilled winger who has already shown he can score at the NHL level. For Robertson, it offers a chance to move forward from his Maple Leafs tenure and establish himself in a new environment.