According to Sportsnet’s Justin Bourne, the Toronto Maple Leafs are likely to trade forward Nick Robertson before the deadline. The 23-year-old has struggled to establish himself in Toronto’s lineup and was already linked to a potential move last offseason after requesting a trade. However, he remained with the team on a one-year, $875,000 contract.

Bourne now expects the Leafs to part ways with Robertson, outlining his reasoning in a Sportsnet column published Friday.

“I believe Robertson is an NHL-caliber player with the potential to score 20 to 25 goals in the league,” Bourne wrote. “But I don’t see that happening with the Leafs due to a lack of space in the top-six and on the power play. If Toronto moves someone, he’s the most logical choice.”

This season, Robertson has appeared in 44 games, tallying eight goals and four assists while averaging 12:13 of ice time. Despite flashes of offensive ability, he has frequently been a healthy scratch and remains in a limited third-line role.

“When Toronto is fully healthy, cracking the lineup becomes incredibly difficult,” Bourne noted. “Robertson is essentially limited to the third line, if he plays at all. His affordable contract might keep him in a depth role, but if someone is moved, he’s the most likely candidate.”

Robertson is ranked No. 24 on The Fourth Period’s Trade Watch list, compiled by insider David Pagnotta. Pagnotta has linked him to the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, and Seattle Kraken as potential trade destinations.

“The Leafs are looking to improve their mid-six and have continued to use Robertson as a trade asset,” Pagnotta wrote. “He could be part of a package deal as Toronto aims to bolster its roster for a Stanley Cup run.”