Nick Robertson finally got the fresh start he wanted when the Toronto Maple Leafs traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier this month.

The trade reunited the 23-year-old winger with Penguins president and general manager Kyle Dubas, who picked him in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft. However, only a few days after the trade, Robertson's contract situation took another unexpected turn.

Robertson was one of 15 NHL players who filed for salary arbitration before Sunday's deadline. He was also the only Penguins player to do so this offseason.

According to Antonio Losada of Athlon Sports, filing for arbitration keeps contract talks going. However, it also means Robertson cannot sign an offer sheet with another NHL team while he and Pittsburgh work on a new contract.

Robertson’s arbitration hearing will likely happen between July 20 and August 1 if the two sides do not agree on a contract before then. He earned $1.82 million last season. If the talks fail, an arbitrator will set his salary for the upcoming year.

This situation adds to an already busy offseason for Robertson. After being the subject of trade rumors in Toronto for several years, the Maple Leafs finally traded him to Pittsburgh on July 1 for a fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.

His role in Toronto never fully grew, but he is coming off the best-scoring season of his NHL career. That gives both him and the Penguins hope that he could get a bigger role in Pittsburgh.

Athlon Sports also reported that Robertson is no stranger to arbitration. He has already gone through similar contract cases in 2024 and 2025, making this the latest step in his ongoing contract situation.

Robertson leaves Toronto with gratitude despite fresh start

In the same story about Robertson joining Pittsburgh, he also spoke about leaving Toronto. According to a post by LeafsLatest on X, Robertson said the trade made him feel both happy and sad. However, he also said he is ready to take on a new opportunity.

“I had mixed emotions at first, but there were always trade rumors over the years. Once I got the call that I was going to Pittsburgh, I was really excited and looking forward to a new chapter there”, Nick Robertson said. 

Even after years of uncertainty about his future with the Maple Leafs, Robertson said he has no hard feelings toward the team or its fans.

“I just want to thank all the fans in Toronto. I thank all the people, all the support. I really cherish my time in Toronto, and Toronto’s always going to have a special place in my heart. I just want to thank everyone for that.”

Those comments show that Robertson does not see the trade as an ending. Instead, he sees it as a chance to restart his NHL career. Right now, he is focused on getting a new contract through talks or arbitration. The Penguins will hope that the change of team helps him build on his best season so far.

Robertson’s new start in Pittsburgh has already come with a surprising contract situation. Once he signs his next deal, the focus will move to whether he can become a regular top-six forward.

What do you think? Will this new chapter with the Penguins finally be the breakthrough Robertson has been waiting for? Let us know in the comments. 

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason