Nick Robertson’s Toronto Maple Leafs future uncertain after Craig Berube’s blunt roster message

Nick Robertson may have re-signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the 2025-26 NHL season, but his spot in the lineup is far from secure. Despite agreeing to a one-year, $1.825 million contract, the 23-year-old forward is under pressure to prove himself at training camp.

New head coach Craig Berube made it clear this week that competition for roster spots will be fierce, leaving Robertson’s future with the Leafs uncertain.

Craig Berube signals tough Toronto Maple Leafs roster competition for Nick Robertson

Speaking to The Athletic, Berube emphasized that Robertson has no guaranteed role despite his new deal. “There’s a lot of competition at camp. I’ll leave it at that, There’s a lot of competition at camp, which is great,” Berube said. “There are jobs available, and again, it’s a competition. You gotta come in and play your ass off and earn a spot.”The blunt assessment highlights a reality Robertson has faced since entering the NHL: securing a permanent role has been a challenge. Last season, he failed to lock down a consistent place in the lineup and was even a healthy scratch during the Maple Leafs’ playoff run. For Robertson, Berube’s comments underline the need to deliver a standout camp performance to stay in the mix.

Toronto Maple Leafs offseason additions create roster squeeze for Nick Robertson

Robertson’s uphill battle is made tougher by the Maple Leafs’ active offseason. Toronto bolstered its forward depth by adding Mattias Maccelli, Nicolas Roy, Dakota Joshua, and Michael Pezzetta. These moves have created a logjam up front, leaving less room for Robertson to carve out a role. DailyFaceoff’s projections do not currently place him on the team’s top four lines, reflecting the stiff competition he faces.With Robertson’s contract carrying a cap hit of $1.825 million, the Leafs risk minimal return on investment if he cannot secure regular minutes. While Berube hinted at a merit-based system, Robertson’s profile suggests he will need to exceed expectations to convince the new coaching staff.Craig Berube’s message was clear: Nick Robertson’s spot with the Toronto Maple Leafs must be earned, not assumed. With offseason additions intensifying competition, Robertson faces one of the most crucial camps of his career. His ability to rise to the challenge will determine whether he becomes a regular contributor or slips further down Toronto’s depth chart.Also Read: Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl featured on Jeopardy! — Here’s the clue